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  #1  
Old 12-17-2004, 08:18 PM
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Brake Fluid Blowout

Being a firm believer that there are no stupid questions, only stupid people asking questions, I have another for you...

The brake fluid reservoir has two compartments, the rear one, the secondary, is empty and I have brake fluid that has leaked from it down the front of the booster (complete with paint peeling off the thing).

Any chance I can get by with replacing the o-ring that goes between these two units? Or am I looking at a new master cylinder?

I know I can possibly tell by taking it apart but I'd like to go ahead and fix it once it's apart and there are parts to buy first. It doesn't look like Fastlane has the o-ring (shoot) but Performance seems to have it. They also have something called a Power Bleeder. This promises one-man operation and, since I can't get anyone to help me with mundane tasks like pumping the brake peddle 10 times for each wheel, I am tempted to but this thing. Anyone use one?

Thanks,
Mark

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  #2  
Old 12-17-2004, 09:47 PM
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Master is JUNK...

Quote:
Originally Posted by 83 300D
Being a firm believer that there are no stupid questions, only stupid people asking questions, I have another for you...

The brake fluid reservoir has two compartments, the rear one, the secondary, is empty and I have brake fluid that has leaked from it down the front of the booster (complete with paint peeling off the thing).
Any chance I can get by with replacing the o-ring that goes between these two units? Or am I looking at a new master cylinder?
I know I can possibly tell by taking it apart but I'd like to go ahead and fix it once it's apart and there are parts to buy first. It doesn't look like Fastlane has the o-ring (shoot) but Performance seems to have it. They also have something called a Power Bleeder. This promises one-man operation and, since I can't get anyone to help me with mundane tasks like pumping the brake peddle 10 times for each wheel, I am tempted to but this thing. Anyone use one?
Thanks,
Mark
Replace the master cylinder.
As for a power bleeder, read this thread:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=772866&posted=1#post772866
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  #3  
Old 12-17-2004, 09:49 PM
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Sure would suck to put in a new o-ring, bleed the entire system, and find that it still leaks.

With rebuilt masters going for $50, seems like good piece of mind to know you are not going to have to deal with it any time soon....
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Old 12-17-2004, 10:12 PM
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I changed the seal on it and it totally stopped leaking. The gasket was less than a dollar and it took a bit to get it replaced. First you need to drain the contents and then remove and install. Once you get that done you need to bleed your entire system.

It worked for me and there is not a single drop coming out. There are two of them and I had a leak in the one closer to the front of the car.
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Old 12-17-2004, 10:15 PM
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Mine is doing the same thing....brake light is turning on when the fluid level gets low..I had my buddy check @ the dealer and I think he told me you can only buy the complete master cylinder from MB...anyway it sure is nice having a connection for MB parts
I pay what the dealer pays for them..screw that 300% markup!!
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Old 12-18-2004, 12:28 AM
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whunter,
Thanks for that link. I'm sold. Santa's bringing me a Power Bleeder!

Jimmy Joe,
Where did you find one for $50? They are $90 - 100+ online. I agree that it's gotta be worth $50 not to have to re-do the job. NAPA maybe?

Mark
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Old 12-18-2004, 12:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 83 300D
Jimmy Joe,
Where did you find one for $50?
Mark
Ooops, I low-balled it a little - here is one for an '83 for $62.66, they don't charge shipping for orders over $50, and if you don't live in Arizona, you pay no sales tax.
http://***************/catalog/lookup_parts.cfm?SubcategoryID=1836&VehicleID=1193778&CFID=373080&CFToken=77294190
Please make sure this is the right one for your car by going through the car "selection" process on the left, and double checking part #s with other resources. You don't want the wrong master. All the various models are about the same price.
I notice that is a different part # than mine...hmmm

Also of note is that the "Master Cylinder Repair Kit" is $83!!
Go figure!
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Last edited by Jimmy Joe; 12-18-2004 at 12:57 AM.
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  #8  
Old 12-18-2004, 10:38 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 83 300D

Any chance I can get by with replacing the o-ring that goes between these two units? Or am I looking at a new master cylinder?
The o-ring between the master cylinder and brake booster provides a vacuum seal for the booster; it is not a factor if your master cylinder is leaking fluid. There are also seals (grommets) where the fluid reservoir seats into the master cylinder. They can be replaced if they are the cause of the leak. If the leak is from the master cylinder itself, then it is time for a new master cylinder. Some master cylinders have a small "leak hole" just forward of the flange. If it is leaking there, you have an internal leak in the MC.
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  #9  
Old 12-18-2004, 03:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tangofox007
Some master cylinders have a small "leak hole" just forward of the flange. If it is leaking there, you have an internal leak in the MC.
I took a closer look at it today and that's exactly where it's leaking. Thanks.

Any opinions on whether ATE or Girling is better? The Girling costs more and is gold colored, so it's perfect for the Benz, right?

Mark
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  #10  
Old 12-18-2004, 03:51 PM
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Unhappy Quality

Quote:
Originally Posted by 83 300D
I took a closer look at it today and that's exactly where it's leaking. Thanks.
Any opinions on whether ATE or Girling is better? The Girling costs more and is gold colored, so it's perfect for the Benz, right?
Mark
seems to be the same for both.
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  #11  
Old 12-18-2004, 04:11 PM
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The piston rod seal in the master cylinder is shot. Rebuild or replace.

Make sure you wash the brake fluid off the inner fender completely, or it will gradually eat the paint off, starting some hard to repair rust. Also check to make sure you don't have a booster half full of brake fluid!

Peter

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