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1956 CJ5 Willys master cylinder question

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Hawk5274, Sep 25, 2011.

  1. Sep 25, 2011
    Hawk5274

    Hawk5274 Member

    Ohio
    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2009
    Messages:
    163
    Has anyone rebuilt the old master cylinder on these old Willys? The rebuild kit is pretty cheap $20 dollars versus $85 dollars for a new cylinder. Question: can you rebuild with the Master cylinder in place or is it better to take out then repair? Looks like only two bolts hold it in and the line connecters to the front and back brakes. My system is all original but leaking on the back seal under the rubber cup/ cover. Rebuilding through the access hole looks possible but kinda close quarters. What do you guys think?
     
  2. Sep 25, 2011
    jackfunkhouser

    jackfunkhouser New Member

    Mico, Texas
    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2008
    Messages:
    43
    Typically brake cylinders leak because of corrosion. Which means they need to be honed. The master cylinder needs to be removed to inspect the cylinder and to rinse the surfaces after honing.
     
  3. Sep 25, 2011
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754
    Ditto. Take it out. You need totally clean conditions.
     
  4. Sep 25, 2011
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    Yup, what they said. No way you're gonna get all the debris out of the cylinder with it in place and the lines/fittings hooked up. In fact, all you'd do is flush anything in there right into your wheel cylinders and most likely damage them.
     
  5. Sep 26, 2011
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
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    2,793
    I just went ahead and replaced the old one with a new one. Bench bled it and installed it. Minimal bleeding of the rest of the system that way.
     
  6. Sep 27, 2011
    jasonjp62

    jasonjp62 Member

    Pennsboro WV.
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    Aug 15, 2009
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    799
    I just bought a new one. to me it was well worth it
     
  7. Sep 27, 2011
    Rondog

    Rondog just hangin' out

    Parker, CO
    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2005
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    2,918
    I vote for replacing also. Brakes ain't a place to cut corners on to save a buck.
     
  8. Sep 27, 2011
    Hawk5274

    Hawk5274 Member

    Ohio
    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2009
    Messages:
    163
    Thanks,
    I will replace with new one then I know it will be right. I will also tear apart the old and tell you what it was that was causing the leak.
    Al
     
  9. Sep 27, 2011
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
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    being over 50 years old has a lot to do with it.
     
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