Front Master Cylinder

[BigDick]

So while bleeding my brakes I failed to heed this tech tip Don't squeeze your brake lever all the way when bleeding your brakes. Consequently my plunger is unseated. How in the world do I take the master cylinder apart to fix it?! My Clymer says something about a snap ring, but I can't see one anywhere!





The Clymer is worthless for this btw, no real instructions whatsoever!

[BigDick]

those are before pictures, now all that crap is out.

[rpgoerlich]

Mine resembled that!
Under that rubber on the piston is where the circlip is. You might be able to get it off with out damaging it, but I never have and there's a spring ring that holds it on. Once it's off use a set of snapring pliers to get it out. I find it easier to use a set of bent snapring pliers to get it out.

[Ken Talbot]

Carefull pry that rubber boot off the plunger and pull it out. You'll see the snap ring "way down in there", possibly under a lot of spooge, but it will be there.

[TomRodgers]

For 60 bucks id buy a new MC and boot the other one to the trash can....thats one thing that scares the hell out of me....zipping along at whatever mph, grabbing that lever, and NOTHING!!! As Shakespear would say....that Sucketh Mightily. Just my input.

[drooker56]

I am not sure where you found one for $60 but there is one for $76 at partsnmore.com

[BigDick]

For 60 bucks id buy a new MC and boot the other one to the trash can....thats one thing that scares the hell out of me....zipping along at whatever mph, grabbing that lever, and NOTHING!!! As Shakespear would say....that Sucketh Mightily. Just my input.

I am not sure where you found one for $60 but there is one for $76 at partsnmore.com

Are you guys talking about a rebuild kit or a complete unit? I was thinking since I'm already going to be taking it down to pieces I might as well buy the complete unit and be done with it for another 30 years.

[drooker56]

I am talking about a complete MC at partsnmore.com. Seems like a good deal to me considering whats at stake.

[BigDick]

I am talking about a complete MC at partsnmore.com. Seems like a good deal to me considering whats at stake.

I gotta do some fanangling to see if i can squeeze the money together. If I can you just sold a master cylinder.

I have to have the bike up and running by the 14th. I have a MSF course I have to take or the military won't let me ride. So waiting for my next paycheck is not an option. ><

If I have to I'll fix the old one and run it but I'd rather just get the shiny new one. Does anyone know, if I do end up tearing the rubber seal in the end will the master cylinder still function correctly until parts get here?

[drooker56]

[QUOTE=BigDick;206993]I gotta do some fanangling to see if i can squeeze the money together. If I can you just sold a master cylinder.

Hmmm... Think Partsnmore will give me a commision?

[BigDick]

Hmmm... Think Partsnmore will give me a commision?

Even if they don't, members of XS11.com should get a discount!

[Ken Talbot]

Does anyone know, if I do end up tearing the rubber seal in the end will the master cylinder still function correctly until parts get here?

Yes, it will still work fine without that boot. It will be easier for rain and dirt to get in around the plunger but for short term, you could ride without it. When you take it off, you might find a lot of deleterious substances packed in there already years and years of accumulation.

[jumpinjac]

Mine resembled that!
Under that rubber on the piston is where the circlip is. You might be able to get it off with out damaging it, but I never have and there's a spring ring that holds it on. Once it's off use a set of snapring pliers to get it out. I find it easier to use a set of bent snapring pliers to get it out.

This post saved me. First I borrowed a pair of circlip / snap ring pliers from a friend, but the tip was too big and wouldn't fit in the little holes. Then I bought some crappy interchangeable circlip pliers from Lowes but they weren't long enough to reach in there because of the piston being in the way. I even tried pushing the piston down while trying to fit the pliers in there but no luck. I finally found a pair that worked at Northern Tool and they look just like the above picture. I wanted to post for people who may need to know in the future -- don't waste your time with the interchangeable pliers as their head is blocked by the piston. Get these:
Northern Industrial 7in. Internal Bent Pliers
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2721_200312721

[jetmechmarty]

Those snap ring pliers are available from Mike's XS

As an option, new master cylinders are available from 650 Central. Give MMM a call. He is extremely helpful and he'll make sure you get exactly what you need. He is also Vintage Brake.

[natemoen]

Those snap ring pliers are available from Mike\'s XS

As an option, new master cylinders are available from 650 Central. Give MMM a call. He is extremely helpful and he\'ll make sure you get exactly what you need. He is also Vintage Brake.

Does the 650 have the same size bore as the 1100?