The master cylinder is the control device, which is responsible for converting non-hydraulic pressure into hydraulic pressure. This is done so that all the other devices in the engine of the car can move with the hydraulic system like the slave cylinders. The piston moves along with the bore of the master cylinder; this movement is then transferred to the hydraulic fluid, to result movement in the salve cylinder. The hydraulic pressure, which is created by the moving piston towards the slave cylinder, will compress the fluid evenly, but if there are varying comparative surface areas in the master cylinder, then the amount of force will vary in each one. It is always better if you know how to replace master cylinder, since it save a lot of your time.
The clutch and brake operates on the master cylinder. Master cylinder in the brake is used for pushing the brake pads on the surface, which rotates along with the wheel until the stationary brake pads create friction with the rotating surface. In clutch, the master cylinder is used for throwing out bearing until the high-friction on the transmission disengages from the metal of the engine.
If your vehicle does not stop or respond to the brake, then it means that there is some problem with the master cylinder of your car. Replacing master cylinder is a very process here are some easy steps on how to replace master cylinder.
Things Required:
- Open end of box wrenches
- Line or flare wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Small pry bar or throwaway screwdriver
- Turkey baster
- New or rebuilt master cylinder
- Brake cleaner
- Brake fluid
- Brake lube
- Safety glasses
Steps:
- Before you start with wrenching out your brake system and replacing the master cylinder, you must make sure that all the parts of your car are clean. You must clean the inside of the brake system since it is the most sensitive part and there should be no dirt or debris in that part. Next spray the master cylinder, brake lines and some other components with brake cleaner, allow it to soak for sometime and then repeat this process again. No matter what method you use for cleaning, just ensure that the engine is free from dirt before you open the brake fluid cap.
- Once you have cleaned everything, then you will have to remove the fluid reservoir cap and remove the old brake fluid out with the help of turkey baster. This is very important when you are replacing master cylinder. Do not worry about removing the entire fluid, but try to remove as much as you can. Whenever you are doing the cleaning process, always keep in mind that brake fluid can damage the automotive paint, so you will have to keep it away from the car.
- Now for replacing the master cylinder you will have to loosen the brake lines. If your car has a low brake fluid sensor in the reservoir cap or any other wiring in the master cylinder then you will have to replace it.
- After doing this you will have to unscrew the master cylinder. You have loosened the brake lines but not taken them out, so now you can remove the bolts that are holding the master cylinder in the place. It will be bolted to the brake booster of a different shape and size, but you can check the new master cylinder and see what and how you need to remove the bolts.
- Once you have removed the bolts of the master cylinder, then lift the cylinder up slightly and take out the four brake lines. You had earlier left them loosely screwed because often you will not be able to pull them out due to the clearance of the shock tower.
- When you remove the master cylinder, you can easily see the rod, which was pushing the piston inside the master cylinder. If it has not come out with the master cylinder, there will be a seal next to the pushrod; you will have to remove that seal. If your new master cylinder has come with a seal then you need to replace it. If not, then clean the old seal and reuse the same. However, you will still have to remove the seal.
- Once you removed the old master cylinder, you are ready to replace the master cylinder. However, before you do that you will have to first blench bleed the master cylinder. It will be much easier to get the air out now then doing it later. The master cylinder can be replaced just like the way you removed it, so now you can reverse the removal process and complete replacing master cylinder.
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