Front master cylinder reservoir

[mmaddix]

Good day to everybody,

I was wondering if the plastic reservoir on the front master cylinder can be removed and if so how. Because I was refilling/bleeding my brakes and the head of one of the screws that hold the cover on broke and I am thinking if I can remove the reservoir i can grab the shank with pliers and spin it out. I didn't want to just try to pull it off just in case it's not supposed to come off.

Thank you in advance everyone.

[bikerphil]

After taking the 2 Phillips screws out of the washer plate in the bottom of the reservoir, the only thing holding it is a large O-ring. Carefully twist/pry the reservoir off.

[crazy steve]

Depends on which master cylinder you have; if you still have the original master, it's like Phil says. But if you have a Special master or a later-model standard master, those reservoirs are held on by the same (long) screws that retain the cover.

Either way, you have a bit of a problem. The early-style standard masters used brass inserts in the plastic reservoir for the cover screws, and your only hope is to drill the broken screw out without trashing the insert. On the later masters, if the screw broke off and left any sticking out, you won't be able to 'twist' the reservoir to help remove it, so it'll be strictly a prying job. In any case, be careful as the reservoir isn't available as a separate part and if you booger it up you'll have to get a replacement off another master or hope someone here has a spare. The early type with the brass inserts are particularly hard to find...

[natemoen]

I used a piece of floss and ran it around the base between the reservoir and the aluminum. It helped break up all the built up crap under there and it cam off with a bit of a twist and pull.

But steves advice still applies.

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Screw

If the broken screw is keeping you from twisting the res. then I would slide a putty knife in between the res. and base and work from one side to the other leaving the putty knife in and pushing anouther one in the other side, then move to flat blade screwdrivers, "gently" prying it a little at a time from side to side till it pops off

[mmaddix]

Thank you,

I will see what I can do with your advice. I was wondering if you can explain where the two Philips screws are. Are they on the inside of the reservoir or what? I mean am I going to be able to see them once I take the cover off. Also if the screws aren't there does that mean I have a special master cylinder?

[DCracer25]

master cyl

If you mess up that master cylinder I have one you can have for the price of shipping.

[mmaddix]

If you mess up that master cylinder I have one you can have for the price of shipping.

I appreciate it. I will definately let you know if I need it.

[bikerphil]

I was wondering if you can explain where the two Philips screws are. Are they on the inside of the reservoir or what? I mean am I going to be able to see them once I take the cover off.

Yes, they are in the bottom of the reservoir. Take the cover off, soak up the fluid with paper towels and you will see the screws and round plate. Careful not to get brake fluid on painted surfaces.

[Schming]

Here Ya Go...

Thank you,

I will see what I can do with your advice. I was wondering if you can explain where the two Philips screws are. Are they on the inside of the reservoir or what? I mean am I going to be able to see them once I take the cover off. Also if the screws aren't there does that mean I have a special master cylinder?

In the first pic you can see the screws at the bottom of the reservoir and the two, different length, screws that are used on each MC.The second pic is a closeup of the short screw MC with the brass inserts. The third pic is the long screw MC. The fourth pic is the difference between the Special and Standard MC's, Standard on the left. The fifth pic shows the difference between the reservoirs of the Special & Standard which will not interchange.

[mmaddix]

Alright so I have the one with the long screws in it for the standard. So I just have to pull it of carefully. I am about to try it. I will let you guys know. Thank you.

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Good luck

Good luck and thanks for your service US Marine

Alright so I have the one with the long screws in it for the standard. So I just have to pull it of carefully. I am about to try it. I will let you guys know. Thank you.

[mmaddix]

Good luck and thanks for your service US Marine

Oorah! Thank you

And thank you everybody your instructions worked perfectly.