Mud for brake fluid?

[Mop Bucket]

The brakes are kicking my butt! I can't figure out how to get the front master cylinder plunger out. Got the snap ring out after making my own snap ring pliers out of needle nose pliers. A metal washer came out on its own. But how do I get the rest of it out? Here is a picture of what I am talking about:



I think I have the same problem with the rear master cylinder, stuck solid. I let it soak for 24 hours, guess I need to leave it for longer. If someone has an alternative to a soak I am all ears. Here is a picture of the rear stuck part:

[cowboyup3371]

Sounds like it was in the same condition one of mine was in. Let is soak some and since you can get it from the opposite end (I couldn't with one of mine), take a small screwdriver (one you don't want) or a small piece of dowel and knock it loose from the opposite side. You'll more likely want to replace the piston anyway.

The shape of mine didn't allow for that idea and I had to get a new one. But it's worth a shot. Someone else here recently made a comment about heating it up but I don't remember who or when. You might do a search on it.

[hikermikem]

Those plungers should just pull out... sometimes you can push/hammer then out from the backside with a wooden dowel inserted through the banjo bolt hole.

However, once out, inspect the MC ID bore very closely for pits & gouges - sometimes when they're that hard to remove the ID is already toast.

Good luck - keep soaking them & spray PB Blaster on the inside too.

[Nessism]

That's the piston cup showing on the rear master. Some compressed air in though the outlet port should get it out.

For the front, I had a similar stuck plunger and had to take pliers and pull it out. Push in as far as possible and then quickly pull back to snap it out. Took several pulls before it came out.

And Mike is right, good chance the master is corroded, but hope it isn't.

[Mop Bucket]

That's the piston cup showing on the rear master. Some compressed air in though the outlet port should get it out.

Can't get rear plunger to budge. I had it soak in carb cleaner for a week and still no movement. Tried heat and then air and it is still stuck. Anyone have other suggestions? I have it soaking in penetrating oil. I get the feeling I am over noobing it and missing the solution. The other end of the plunger is a 90 degree turn with a small opening so not sure how I can get anything in there.

For the front, I had a similar stuck plunger and had to take pliers and pull it out. Push in as far as possible and then quickly pull back to snap it out. Took several pulls before it came out.

This worked like a charm! thanks! but in true noob fashion I did this after a carb dip and ruined the washers and plungers... had I tried the yank technique first I think I would have had really nice internals and saved the rebuild kit cost.

And Mike is right, good chance the master is corroded, but hope it isn't.

Thinking of buying a new old rear master cylinder and hope for better luck. Looks like I will be bitting the bullet on rebuild kits for both cylinders either way. I can get both for $150 at the dealer, ouch.

[tkent02]

Use your brake line to connect the stuck master cylinder to a good master cylinder, push on that brake lever. The hydraulic pressure from the good brake should push the piston out of the bad one. Unless it's really really stuck.

[pete]

I must say this thread has given me a slim hope that mine's still salveable...