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MG MGA - bad master cylinder?

After my 1500 sits for a while the brake pedal bottoms out at a lower pedal position the first time I press it. After that, it stays up higher. Is this normal or does it mean I need a new master cylinder? A lines have been bled, and shoes adjusted recently.
brucep

It sounds as if the master cylinder is letting fluid past the piston seal, may be time for a rebuild.
John H

me again, once you have the pedal at normal, apply pressure and hold it, if it slowly sinks over a period of time it is another indication of problems in the master cylinder. Also check for fluid leakage at the rod end of the master.
John H

Check your fluid reservoir, make sure you're not leaking fluid somewhere and letting air into the system. You can leak into the drums for a little while before a puddle will start to form.
Mark

Hi Bruce, I replaced the rubbers in my master cylinder 2 years ago. This was after the rear brake cylinders dumped fluid all over the garage floor - and I'm amshamed to say I didn't notice this - and then drove down the road only to find no brakes at the end. After pulling up on the handbrake and changing my underwear - I replaced everything in the system. When I dismantled the master cylinder I found that the none return valve in the brake side was missing - it was in the clutch side by mistake - well done the PO or should I say his mechanic. So to get to the point - I would suspect that the fluid is leaking past the non return valve - if indeed it is actually there. - Worth ckecking out as it is quite easy to do - it would have to be if I managed to tackle it!! - Cheers & good luck Cam
Cam Cunningham

Hi Bruce
Just a thought, have you adjusted the rear drums to take up any play?Also if you have front drums try adjusting them also.
My six peneth Ian Mc
Ian McGregor

This thread was discussed on 14/03/2006

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