Master cylinder surgery

1 Stripped down

With the unit apart, a broken return spring was clearly at fault. Replacement was simple. Disassembly is the reverse of these steps.

2 Grease is the word

Cleaned and inspected for pitting; bore treated to rubber grease.

3 Taking the plunge

Seals were OK, so the cleaned plunger was refitted with a new spring.

4 Circlip of life

New spring and plunger in place, then the actuating rod went in. With gentle pressure to the yoke, the retaining washer dropped below the groove for the circlip, which then slips in to hold it all together.

5 Reassembly

With the cylinder on the car, the fluid reservoir went on. The connecting pipe was replaced as a matter of course.

6 Let it bleed

Once filled with fresh fluid, the system could be bled.