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Classic/Antique Car Repair/bleeding master cylinder

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Expert: - 5/13/2010


Question
Hi Brad,you've helped me before,I sure hope you can help me this time.I rebuilt the master cylinder on my 1952 Ford.Installed it and the pedal just goes to the floor.Does the master cylinder need to be bled? If so,can you tell me how? Please be as specific as possible.I did this once about 45 years ago but don't even know where to begin.Thank you in advance for any and all help.Tom

Answer
Bench bleeding a master cylinder before installation saves a lot of frustration, brake fluid, and strings of nasty words. I make up a short section of copper tube with a fitting on one end that will screw into the outlet of the master cylinder. Then bend the tube so that it extends down into the reservoir. Mount the cylinder in your vise. Fill the reservoir with brake fluid and slowly push in on the master cylinder piston. Watch the air bubbles exit the tube. Pump as many slow strokes as needed to clear all the air out of the master, remove the line, install the cover, remove the cylinder from the vise and install on the car. the regular bleeding should clear the system of the remaining air.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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