Replacement of Master Cylinder Reservoir

I found the original reservoir more difficult to remove than I had anticipated. Although I managed to remove it undamaged, I was able to obtain an NOS replacement which I am attempting to install in the rebuilt original master (which is already in the car). I originally installed the grommets in the master cylinder and then pressed and pounded (with a rubber hammer) the reservoir into the grommets. Although it seemed to seal and remain in place, there was about 1/8 inch clearance between the top of the grommet and the bottom of the reservoir. I wondered if the reservoir tubes had gone completely through the grommets and seated properly. (The grooves in the bottom of the grommets certainly suggest that the reservoir tube flanges are supposed to pass completely through the grommets and seat there.) When I removed the reservoir to check, it appeared that they had not.


So I tried first installing the grommets on the reservoir and then attempting to install the reservoir and grommets into the master. Despite applying a good deal more force than I thought was judicious, I had no luck at all.


What is the "expert" technique? Do you install the grommets in the master first or attempt to install the reservoir into the master with the grommets already on the reservoir tubes? Is it simply a matter of more force? Is there some particular technique? Advice would be very much appreciated!

 

Thank you for your responses. I had three sets of new grommets. Although, to the eye, they are identical, this time I used the ones stamped Benitalia. I did insert the grommets first, used some silicone grease and a forward and back motion as opposed to pushing straight down. I'm not sure which of the factors is responsible, but this time I had success with relatively moderate effort.