Brake fluid replace Problems 101

At this point I going through everything and taking my time to wire brush the housing since the paint has flaked from neglect. Ideally will have all the controls down to the cast and polished (clean but not perfect for a vintage look). This took about 4 hours all said and done. Removal of the master cylinder from the handlebar is just 2 screws. Disassembly of the reservoir was pending on the 2 screws inside that looked like old rust (they came off easy enough from soaking in fluid). Removing the piston looked difficult but wasn't, follow the direction and pull it out using needle nose pliers, push the dust boot enough to get a grip (DO NOT push from the other side, at the end of the piston is a small plastic clip that can break with pressure from a screwdriver or the like).. It cleaned up nice, mostly using Dawn soap and warm water, carb cleaner, more soap and water and compressed air to blow out and dry everything thoroughly. I used brake fluid on the boot and rubber parts to keep them good for another 35 years.

I've gone through many toothbrushes on my bike, although now I may be getting a few pipe cleaners to help out. Make sure you get the piston shaft clean and wet with brake fluid before putting it all back together.

All in all for a 35 year old good bike this task isn't difficult, changing brake fluid at least every 2 years will avoid having to do it this extensively, although it was worth the education. Final assembly in the morning.

And a ladybug just landed on my desk.



Just washing the clear plastic reservoir with dish soap and a toothbrush will clean it well and restore the color.

I wonder what the inside of the caliper looks like?

TexasKZ, I'll let you know tomorrow!

LineArtist wrote: ...

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It's usually a good idea to replace the o'ring (which may not appear in the parts diagram).

www.redlinecycle.com/Brk%20-%20Trap%20Rsrvr%20O-%20Ring.html

Failure to replace the o'ring risks leakage of brake fluid past the old hardened worn-out flattened o'ring.

Good Fortune!

You may want to check out Rustoleum Black Epoxy Spray paint if you prefer the metal on the master cylinder to be black. I haven't used it on a master cylinder, but I used it on the underside of a mower deck and it is pretty tough stuff. Ed

Job complete, have it all back together and ready for the next 2 years. Thanks for all the help.

The gasket under the reservoir looked good and was practically new. If I was planning (I didn't) a BMC rebuild I would certainly consider a new one and also replacing the secondary cup and spring if necessary.

650ed, I know you will like this image.



And this is what I used for the juice. It's clear and makes it easier to note when the new stuff is flowing out the tube. Also keeps the reservoir clean looking without the dark cloud. Just make sure the juice is what your bike needs, back in 79 it was Dot 3 for my 650.

You're right! I love pictures! Ed