1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

Cleaning the master cylinder

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by ledbetterglass, Mar 4, 2012.

  1. ledbetterglass

    ledbetterglass Member

    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Location:
    Kingston, WA
    82 xj650 maxim

    I've got my front brakes completely removed and I'm working on the MC rebuild at the moment. The whole system is just nasty. Inside the MC is years of hardened gunk and I want that little sucker to shine before I start putting it back together.

    So far I've tried brake cleaner and some light scraping but I don't want to damage anything. Any suggestions on what to use? Or almost at good, what not to use?

    Also is there a good posting for the caliper rebuild? So far my searches have come up with nothing.

    PS. I have a Haynes manual too
     
    ledbetterglass, Mar 4, 2012
    #1
  2. boostenlebaron

    boostenlebaron Member

    Messages:
    172
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Sturbridge MA.
    If your careful purplepower works well. You can also go to autozone and get that carb cleaning bucket kit and use that.
     
    boostenlebaron, Mar 4, 2012
    #2
  3. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    21,283
    Likes Received:
    418
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    Rural SE Michigan 60 miles N of Motown
    Nobody's done a caliper rebuild article yet, probably because there're so many different styles (at least that's why I haven't done one yet.)

    You can "kiss" the crud with a flame from a propane torch, but inside the master I'd be very careful of the sight glass (unless you're replacing it.) Since that crud is old dry brake fluid, new brake fluid should work well to dissolve it.

    In the bottom of the master cylinder reservoir are two "false drillways." If you look closely, one of them has a TINY hole in it. Use a bristle plucked from your parts cleaning brush to probe that little hole and be sure it's clean.

    You are planning on replacing the lines as well, I hope? The originals are well beyond their 4-year recommended lifespan.

    Also be sure to inspect the banjo bolts; often their bores are as crudded up as your master cylinder. I recommend replacing those as well.
     
    bigfitz52, Mar 4, 2012
    #3
  4. junkmn

    junkmn Member

    Messages:
    197
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Colorado
    I have used an ultrasonic cleaner with dishwashing detergent in water. Works like magic. The downside is if there is any loose paint, that comes right off also.
     
    junkmn, Mar 4, 2012
    #4
  5. ledbetterglass

    ledbetterglass Member

    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Location:
    Kingston, WA
    I can see light through both the little holes in the reservoir.

    Yes, I'll be replacing the lines with SS before final assembly. That will take a bit as my time to work on it is limited and I've got the rear wheel off to replace the brakes as well.

    I will check and clean those banjo bolts though. Thanks!
     
    ledbetterglass, Mar 5, 2012
    #5
  6. tskaz

    tskaz Active Member

    Messages:
    1,878
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Saint Louis, Michigan
    Best thing I've found to clean MC and caliper is a box of Q-tips and a quart of brand new brake fluid
     
    tskaz, Mar 5, 2012
    #6

Share This Page