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Master cylinder rebuild?

Discussion in '308/328' started by ds190, Jul 9, 2012.

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  1. ds190

    ds190 Rookie

    Jul 9, 2012
    29
    Baltimore
    #1 ds190, Jul 9, 2012
    On the last country drive, the brake pedal goes to the floor, but a few quick pumps will have normal braking and firm feel. Don't brake for a bit and same thing happens. The brake fluid level has not changed. PO had front calipers replaced four years ago.

    Plan is to flush brake lines and see what happens. If still the same, I assume master cylinder issue.

    I don't have the ability to rebuild the MC, although there seems to be a kit from Superperformance UK.

    White Post was recommended for the MC rebuild. Other suggestions?

    Thanks.
     
  2. tatcat

    tatcat F1 World Champ
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    Sep 3, 2001
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    panama city beach FL
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    rick c
    #2 tatcat, Jul 10, 2012
    sounds more like the booster than the cylinder.
     
  3. MNExotics

    MNExotics F1 Rookie
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    Ben Gruenzner
    #3 MNExotics, Jul 10, 2012
    Definitly sounds like a hydraulic issue and not a booster. If there is no fluid leak found it is an internal leak in the master cylinder and will require a rebuild. I would recomend Brake exchange in San Jose. They are fast and resonable. You may want to send the booster in as well just to have the combo inspected and tested together.

    http://www.pwrbrake.com/Home_Page.php
     
  4. tuttebenne

    tuttebenne F1 Rookie

    Mar 26, 2003
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    Bay Shore, NY
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    Andy
    #4 tuttebenne, Jul 11, 2012
    Check the integrity of the one way vacuum valve, the rubber grommet on the booster that it is mounted in, and any vacuum hoses.
     
  5. st@ven

    st@ven F1 Rookie

    Aug 4, 2008
    3,301
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    Steven
    #5 st@ven, Jul 11, 2012
    fyi, a fiat ducato master cilinder is an exact copy and will set you back only about us$80, new.
     
  6. pbat

    pbat Karting

    Aug 5, 2011
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    Qld Australia
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    Peter B
    #6 pbat, Jul 13, 2012


    I purchased a new master cylinder from Superformance two months ago and it works very well.
    One thing I had to do again after fitting it was to remove the master cylinder and re adjust the shaft between the slave and the master cylinder. This is very important because my brakes would start to come on without pressing the pedal after a while.
     
  7. fastradio

    fastradio F1 Rookie
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    #7 fastradio, Jul 13, 2012
    Yes, don't use them. Virtually any other company recommended would be a safer bet. Frankly, their QC is non existent and with brakes, that's just not OK no matter how cheap they are.
     
  8. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
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    Tim Keseluk
    #8 2NA, Jul 13, 2012
    They seem to have fallen out of favor in recent times.

    I rebuild my own masters but use a company in town to fit stainless steel sleeves.

    www.brakeplace.com
     
  9. ds190

    ds190 Rookie

    Jul 9, 2012
    29
    Baltimore
    #9 ds190, Jul 13, 2012
    Thanks for the input. I am a loyal son trying to help my father take car of his 308. He's retired and just doesn't want to spend F money any more. I'm DIY on five 1991-5 Mercedes Benz E class cars, so Italian engineering is new to me.

    I guess the White Post issues started after the father died. They charge $225 for a MC sleeved & rebuild plus $20 shipping. $470 for servo & MC rebuild. McCann in Ohio recommended them.

    We'll get to the MC sometime over the next few weeks, and report back. Thanks.
     
  10. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    2,934
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    Don the 16th
    #10 don_xvi, Jul 13, 2012
    Wait, you've got FIVE 190Es??? I once considered buying a couple more just like the one I had so I could fill the driveway. Great little cars!

    I've got one that's sadly going to be passing along soon...
     
  11. ds190

    ds190 Rookie

    Jul 9, 2012
    29
    Baltimore
    #11 ds190, Jul 13, 2012
    No, not five 190E, five E-class (300TE, 300CE, E300, E300, E320).

    We do have one 1984 190D rust bucket (sadly) that is the extended family backup backup car. Anyone can use it, 220K miles, and the car will not die. It will sit for months and fire right up:)
     
  12. ds190

    ds190 Rookie

    Jul 9, 2012
    29
    Baltimore
    #12 ds190, Jul 13, 2012
    Can anyone else confirm this (it's not listed in the Cross reference Thread)?

    Thanks.
     
  13. ds190

    ds190 Rookie

    Jul 9, 2012
    29
    Baltimore
    #13 ds190, Jul 18, 2012
    Thought I'd ask again if anyone can confirm this before I pull the MC to send out to be rebuilt.

    I'm guessing the crowd here would not be big on putting a Fiat MC in a 308, but this is a Euro Federalized car that already has non-factory parts on it. I'm going to put the Birdman fusebox in later, so we're not that concerned about 100% factory parts. And, this car will never see a Concours judge:)

    Thanks.
     
  14. ds190

    ds190 Rookie

    Jul 9, 2012
    29
    Baltimore
    #14 ds190, Aug 3, 2012
    I went out to Dad's garage to pull the MC, but tried the brakes first. Firm pedal pressure. I then tried pushing moderately on the pedal, assuming that it would slowly sink to the floor if the MC seals were bad. Nope, firm pedal.

    I then changed the fluid using the Motive pressure bleeder, and did not see any air bubbles. Went for a cautious drive, and all seems to be normal.

    We'll keep an eye on it.
     
  15. RGigante

    RGigante F1 Rookie
    Owner Project Master

    Nov 1, 2006
    2,874
    Portugal
    #15 RGigante, Aug 3, 2012
    Yes, I can confirm that. Beware that 308 and 328 brakes pumps are not the same. The interior diameter is different. What car do you have?
     
  16. ds190

    ds190 Rookie

    Jul 9, 2012
    29
    Baltimore
    #16 ds190, Aug 4, 2012
    Sorry- it's an 84 308GTSi QV Euro & Federalized.

    I can't locate the "Edit Signature" option to create a signature with that info posted.
     
  17. possum

    possum Formula Junior

    Sep 27, 2008
    307
    australia
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    johnno
    #17 possum, Dec 24, 2012
    Im having this problem now can you elaborate on what adjustment you made,I was going to adjust the rod into the servo until I read your post
     

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