The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop PETROLEUM PRODUCT IN MASTER CYLINDER

Well, I thought I would take my new purchase... A '62 Stepside in for a Brake Inspection on Saturday. The Brake Tech came back 5 minutes later and told me that when he opened the Master Cylinder, he discovered some kind of a petroleum product had been put in it and that my entire system was now contaminated, and that I need to replace THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM!!! Made my day :-( My question is, is there any way to just bleed out the system,and have it work (NO LEAKS from the Brakes So Far) or do I need to upgrade the whole system.

I'm sure others will speak up and agree or disagree with me but you can blow out all the lines and rebuild all the components. I don't see the need to replace the whole system. I am sure the shop you took it to is hoping you believe that you do need to do it and you give them the job. This does give you a good opportunity to learn all about brake systems, DIY.

That's what I thought, just rebuild the wheel cylinders, replace any rubber hoses. I planned on probably going to a power brake booster anyway, so I guess now is a good time to upgrade.

Could somebody tell me if it's easy to change to self-adjusting brakes (I remember reading somewhere here were they didn't come out with them until '64 or '65) availability & ease of installation.

Thanks

First I recommend getting you a repair manual for your truck. They are not expensive and worth every penny of it.

The brakes are fairly simply, just sometimes aggravating getting a clip or something in place but all in all I know you can do it.

I'd recommend doing one wheel at a time so if you have a problem go to the other side and look at it. If it gives you any comfort take a close up picture of it.
This is one area you can save your self some money for other things. We're here to help so don't be bashful.

I'm not sure about the self adjusting brakes but if you do go that route be sure to use the correct adjuster on the correct side. Getting them switched will back the brake off instead of tightening it up!!

You will need to replace all the rubber parts in the system, wheel cylinder cups, etc., and flex hoses. Also rebuild or replace the master cylinder, but it seems you've got that covered with the power booster/MC upgrade. Before you tear the system down, flush it thoroughly with alcohol. (Methanol/shellac thinner, not rubbing alcohol, which is part water) This will purge all the steel lines before you do the wheel cylinder rebuilding, so no oil from the lines can contaminate your freshly-repaired cylinders. Do a very thorough flush/bleed with brake fluid to displace any residual alcohol, but if a tiny bit remains, no problem. Brake fluid contains alcohol as part of its compounding, so a little residue won't hurt.
Jerry

Thanks guys for all your help - time to "BRAKE" Down and get busy!