Re: Easamatic Condition

Posted by BH On 2009/5/26 12:32:07

Steve -

That kind of stuff in the reservoir makes me wonder what's downstream - not only in the bore and pipes, but the wheel cylinders themselves. Personally, I'd wanna go through the entire hydraulic section from stem to stern.

If the hydraulic plunger isn't pitted and the compensator port valve spring shows no signs of corrosion and you have some mechanical skill, you could replace seals and gaskets in the master cylinder yourself (following the shop manual). However, know that the available reproduction rebuild kits do not include any pieces for the vacuum section (other than what is required to remove the master cylinder from the vacuum shell).

Now, if the booster operation is questionable, forget rebuilding the M/C yourself and send the whole thing off to a reputable TreadleVac specialist. DO NOT send it to someone who merely has experience rebuilding and even sleeving conventional master and wheel cylinders; the TreadleVac is in a class all its own. (BTW, the TreadleVac master cylinder does not require nor should it ever be sleeved.)

If the steel brake tubing is in good condition, you might be able to chase it with some wire and flush it with some alcohol, through a syringe. I'd replace the two front and one rear rubber hoses just to be on the safe side.

If the wheel cylinder bores aren't pitted, you can install new seals, but complete wheel cylinders should be available through finer parts stores as they were used on other vehicles, including trucks.