Cascade Crew

kutison · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:33 pm Post subject: My most recent screw up

So I was just looking under the hood and checking the fluids, and making sure nothing has moved to far out of place. I noticed the brake fluid was a bit low, but I really had to pee... So in my haste I grabbed a bottle of power steering fluid and topped off the master cylinder.

I made it about 60 blocks before all of the brake fluid evaporated. It doesn't seem to have caused any noticeable damage but now my reservoir diaphragm is a caddywompous with fluid under it.

Do I need to remove the fluid under the diaphragm and get it to si right or is there supposed to be fluid under it.

My inexperience is showing like butt-crack at a plumbers convention... Crying or Very sad

chevymad · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:39 pm Post subject:

This is huge. You need to suck all the fluid out of that master cylinder as soon as possible. Then flush fresh brake fluid through the whole system. Lots of it. I bet if you look at the master cylinder gasket it will be too large to fit the lid now. Petroleum products and brake fluid will react with rubber causing expansion, thinning, and softening.

Most likely you'll be replacing the master cylinder, and maybe the calipers and brake cylinders as well now. Sad

kutison · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 3:03 pm Post subject:

How can I be sure something needs to be replaced?
What can I use to suck the fluid out if the system?

I assume the diaphragm wont fit is because it is distorted then, I am having difficulty fitting the lid on the master cyl.

I have very limited tools, unless I drive to a friends house, seeing as how I live in an apartment.

This happened about 8-10 days ago, and I thought it was fine but I've been noticing my brake pedal softening so I am renewing my concern.

chevymad · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 3:26 pm Post subject:

The softening of the brake pedal probably means the master cylinder is allready shot. I'd plan on replacing it. Use some kind of suction or siphon to remove the fluid.. or even just dip it out and clean with a rag if you have to. After its all out put in clean fluid and start bleeding . let it run out a long time. You want to make sure you get nothing but clean fluid at each wheel.

Leaks and/or a spongy pedal are signs something is shot. If it was just the lid you could buy another lid gasket at a parts store.

I've seen this more then once at work. Either someone will accidentally do this like you did, or a logger blows a line or something in the woods and all he has to put in is oil to get back. Most of the time calipers hold up pretty well, but master cylinders and brake cylinders dont. The funky stretched out master cylinder gasket is the first sign i run into that this has happened.

Don't spill the brake fluid on any good paint. It works as a fair stripper, or at minimum changes the color.

kutison · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 4:12 pm Post subject:

at the very least I can be happy I don't have any good paint to worry about...

alloy · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 4:32 pm Post subject:

I used a turkey baster I got for $1 at the dollar tree to suck the fluid out of the master yesterday, then wiped the reservoir clean with paper towels. Also used it to suck out the power steering fluid. Lots of automotive uses for kitchen utensils Wink

kutison · Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:34 pm Post subject:

Well, I ordered a new gasket, and sucked out the bad fluid, and cleaned the reservior, All I can really do is exchange the fluid a couple times and hope I get all of the residue out.

As for my master cylinder, I shall take a approach of a poor man and say if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

But I really hope it doesn't break, that's kinda of a major break.

90droptoproc · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:06 am Post subject:

or a major no break

kutison · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:11 pm Post subject:

I think I may have spoken to soon, Im fairly sure the master cyl is going out now.

The brake pedal pressure changes, sometimes I have to pump the pedal, so I've been braking from a ways out..

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:39 pm Post subject:

Partner, in all seriousness, you need to stop driving that car until you get this fixed. No need to injure yourself or others. It's on a fast path to failure.

Thanks!

-Schultzy

kutison · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 3:08 pm Post subject:

Yah, It's parked now... It doesn't help that I live on a hill...

kutison · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 5:24 pm Post subject:

So, any tips on changing the master cylinder?

Al Hasse · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:45 pm Post subject:

Not hard. You need to bench bleed the new one before you install it, then of course, bleed the whole system Wink

kutison · Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:16 pm Post subject:

I'd ask you to explain bench bleeding but I already lined up a beer fueled advisor for the project..