Master Cylinder and Brake Bleeding

[Breadfan]

Who here has replaced their master cylinder and what were the symptoms that lead you to do so? Was it worth it?

Secondly, I've searched many threads about bleeding brakes. Who has successfully bled and flushed their brake lines after such a job with no ill effects or air in the ABS unit?

Here's the deal, when I brake I hear a slight noise in the pedal assembly, and the brakes feel spongy. At a stoplight I notice the pedal will gradually sink down (not all the way but more than I would want in a car), and as it does this if I hold my foot steady I can tell the brakes let up a tad.

To me this indicates the master cylinder is letting fluid lightly seep past the seals. Brakes are fine otherwise and in normal driving haul you down from speed no issues.

But this doens't feel right and therefore I need to get it fixed, don't like having anything not feel right on the brakes.

I've replaced boosters and master cylinders on cars before, bled plenty of brakes, done brake lines even hard brake lines I custom made. So I am fine doing this job but the ABS unit and flushing the system is what worries me if it can be done by a DIY'er in their garage without the scan tool.

Am I better off carefully replaceing hte master cylinder and then letting the air bleed up and driving a few miles to the dealer for a full on flush/bleed?

[Blackened300a]

I have the same problems as you. I replaced the master, changed the fluid and bleed the brakes 3 times.
My brakes still suck. If I wanted to, I can push my pedal all the way to the floor even with the new master. Im also noticing a slight hang up in my brakes when coming to a stop.
I'm thinking I have to take my car to the dealer and have it bled through the ABS.
Its irritating that my old POS crown vic could out stop my Marauder.

[martyo]

You can do this yourself.

You will need a large bottle of fluid, plus a little bit extra.

Make sure that you get teh correct master (their is a TC version (slightly more expensive) and a non-TC version.

I did mine 2 weeks ago when I was faced with even worse symptoms than yours because I ignored the sympstoms you had.

It is well worth it. If I did it again, I would spend the time and money on replacing teh rubber brake lines.

Do this with a helper to push the pedal and bleed the brakes until teh fluid flows clean.

You will be pleased with the results.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[Blackened300a]

So the rubber brake lines are the reason for lousy brakes?

[Pops]

They were on my Merc. Paul. Changed them and what a difference!

[Breadfan]

They were on my Merc. Paul. Changed them and what a difference!

Just changed or upgrade to SS?

Anyone know if there are SS kits available currently? I don't see much on the TCE subforum, but haven't asked yet. I may focus on the Master cylinder first...

[Breadfan]

Marty - thanks! Sounds like a job I will tackle within a few weekends then.

[BigCars4Ever]

I replaced mine cause it was leaking. It wasn't easy to find a new one. I called about 7 local dealers before I found one. Be warned... they are Marauder specific. The Vic/GM ones have the front and rear fittings reversed.

[fastblackmerc]

Definitely go with the SS brake lines.

[musclemerc]

+1 on the SS lines. The spongy feeling is gone after I did mine as well.

[Blackened300a]

Have a link where I can get them?