pkurtz2

"kevin" <kevnospam242@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:c5e0t11c177favcvi094o8gjs97sd3cu9f@4ax.com...
>
> My problem started a couple weeks ago. The ABS light came on, aprox
> 1/2 hour later my brakes were not working properly. The pedal felt
> all wrong (goes all the way down with no pressure) and it sounded like
> the breaks were intermittingly stopping (like skidding) when they did
> work... very dangerous to drive this way.
>
> I took the truck home and checked the fluid, it turns out the fluid is
> low, so I replaced it, still no puddles in the driveway and from
> checking the inside (quick look) and around the wheels no leaks.
>
> I took it up to the garage where I bought the truck and the guys up
> there (without looking at it) say it sounds like it need's a master
> cylinder. What is your opinion? Is there anything else I should
> check into before I buy a MC and try to install it myself? Any advise
> about installing a Master Cylinder?
>
> I bought this truck used and I really fell in love with it. I'd like
> to do the repairs myself when possible, but I donot have a ton of
> experience with this type of thing, so it is a learning process for
> me. Any kind of insight will help!
>
>
>
>
>
> Thank you
> Kevin

Kevin,
Replacing a master cylinder is fairly easy. Its pretty much just a swap out
kind of deal. Just remember to prime the new master cylinder before you
install it. You do this by pushing the plunger rod in and out a couple of
times to get the air out of the primary and secondary plungers. Once you
have done that, just install in the reverse order that you took the old one
off, and bleed ALL of your brakes to get any air out of the system.
You also have a choice of brake bleeding styles. The most prominent one
is pressure bleeding. Have a friend pump the brakes 2-3 times, or until
solid. When your friend says they are solid, have your friend hold down on
the pedal, and open the bleed valve. Close the bleed valve BEFORE your
friends releases the brake pedal. Keep doing this until you get no more air
in the system, and watch your resevoir.. You have to keep fluid in it at all
times, or you have to start over.
The second style is the gravity bleed. Basically you just open the bleed
valve, and let the fluid drain out. This takes a long time, and again, you
have to keep an eye on the resevoir. Also with this system, you probably
only want to do one at a time. It might help speed up the process.
That's it, thats all you need to do. Oh, and one more thing. Buy a
chilton/haynes manual for your vehicle.. When it comes to repairs by a DIY,
or a professional. You can't beat a good tech manual.