Front Master Cylinder: Replace/Referb/Swap?

[Guest]

My front master cylinder is pretty weathered. The breaks are working fine but I'm concerned because I can't see the fluid level due to the weathering.

Can the plastic be sanded/cleaned or something or am I better off replacing. If I replace can I use a more durable all aluminum one that I've seen some GSs running or do I need to stick with the OEM plastic?




Thanks!

[Big T]

You can polish the plastic to remove oxidation

You can replace the plastic reservoir if it's still available

You can replace the entire master cylinder (expect to rebuild it) with a comparable one

You should be tearing down the master cylinder and calipers to confirm their condition

[seanspecht]

You should be twisting your focal ring on your lens around more...

[MAJikMARCer]

You should be twisting your focal ring on your lens around more...

Yea...it's an old point and shoot, but it normally takes better photos than my phone. I'll work on better photos next time. ;P

[seanspecht]

I only tease! I think you should buff it out. Get yourself some polish 3M and go for it. Worse case scenario, you replace the entire assembly ;D

It doesnt even look that bad!

[tkent02]

Use a flashlight in the dark to check it, you can see the fluid that way. Or go old school and take the lid off to check.

You did flush the old coal tar and brown sugar out of the brakes, didn't you?

[seanspecht]

Is it bad to take the lid off and check?! Does it break the seal to where you have to bleed it again?

[AJ]

You can get a much newer replacement for cheap on ebay. I just bought one for a Hayabusa for $20 shipped.

[tkent02]

Is it bad to take the lid off and check?! Does it break the seal to where you have to bleed it again?

Does not hurt to take the lid off, you need to open it to change the fluid and flush the system anyway. You need to do this on any bike, every year or so, if it's not been done for thirty years it is way past due. If the old fluid is dark in color or of a thick consistency, or chunky, take the whole system apart to clean it out. You should probably do this on a new to you old bike anyway, especially if you don't like getting tossed on your head.