Removing Front Master Cylinder

[MikeA]

Hello All.

I had the same problem that others had, front brakes not releasing. So I pulled the lid off the master cylinder reservoir, and found 20 year old sludge inside. I bought the bike last year. I figured I should replace it.

I got the lines cleaned out, cleaned out the master cylinder holes as the "Brakes" forum posts describe, and put it back together with new fluid. Opened the bleeder valve, and pumped away on the lever to push fluid into the lines. But the fluid never left the reservoir.

I think the master cylinder is still clogged. How do I pull the paster cylinder kit (the part the lever actually pushes on) out of the cylinder assembly (the part the reservoir attaches to)??

Mike

[newmaac]

If you romove the rubber boot that covers the end of the piston, you will see a ring clip that keeps the piston in the cylendar. This ring was meant to be removed with a set of lock-ring pliars, but it can be done with a scratch awl or ice pick.
The piston simply slides-out once the retaining ring is removed.
BTW. When you are ready to re-assemble, before you attach the fluid hose, if you fill the reservoir, use your finger to cover the hole where the hose attaches, and GENTLY pump the lever, you can eliminate all of the air in the reservoir before you start the bleeding process.
Good luck, and don' get that crap on your paint or in your eyes!!

[Pat Kelly]

remove the resivoir and run a small piece of stiff wire (I used a guitar string) in the pressure return (spooge) hole. I rebuilt my master cyl and overlooked this part untill I read about it on this list.