If it isn't the SPOOGE-HOLE..??????

[jimboreeno]

Ok, A few months ago I had a situation where my front/rear brakes wouldn't release. I got on the forum and learned of the spooge hole tip. The master cyls pictured are a different model than my XJ but I tackled it and also cleaned the front caliper.
It worked!
The other day, same symptoms. So I thought, "I will take the master cylinder apart and clean everything. I did.

The beginning...


Pretty grimy as you can see.

I pulled parts and cleaned everything. I pulled the plunger and cleaned and inspected the rubber. It was dirty all over but looked in pretty good shape.
I took the oil sensor float out cleaned the body and found the 2 small holes in the side. I put a wire through both and neither was obstructed. The bottom hole led to the plunger chamber.


The top hole goes to the line.
I then took off the piece where the front and rear lines attach.

I pulled it apart and it was FULL of crap. I cleaned and inspected the rubber and reassembled it


I then thought, what the heck!" and replaced the wires for the oil light sensor

I then put it all back together and back on the bike.

I then discovered my rear brake pedal was sticky so I worked it and got gravel out of it that was causing it to hang! This of course made me think, "CRAP THAT IS WHY MY BRAKES WEREN'T RELEASING!!!"
Oh well, Now it will work great.

So... the issue is, the brakes are STILL not releasing. I was out of brake fluid and patience at this point. I believe the rear is better than the front BUT...
Is there anything else to do BEFORE I tear it down and try again that I am not thinking of??????

Help me O' XS-IVE Gurus!!

[randy]

Jimbo,

The caliper floats on it's mounting bracket. Pull off the mounting bolt and be sure the slider is lubed. Peel back the boot and remove, clean and lube it with grease. Should be OK after that.

[MaximRider]

If the MC was so full of crap, what about your calipers? I had a problem with mine, and had to clean out the whole system (MC and Calipers) you wouldn't believe the crap behind the caliper pistons. and be sure to scrape behind the rubber seals as junk builds up there and causes too much pressure on the seals so that they stick.


MaximRider

[jimboreeno]

I will tackle the caliper next. I "cleaned" it the first time but never took it apart.
I am just glad no one responded with, "Oh my God, you didn't take THAT apart did you?!?"

What the heck, huh? It is in the teens here and supposed to be for a while. I have been looking for an excuse to park it and work on a few things.

BTW - look for more threads about gear oil, and head gaskets in the near future!