Re: [T3] Defective Master Cylinder?

[BOB2TYPE3S@aol.com]

Aaron wrote:
>I decided to put the old master cylinder back in and I
>noticed two things:

>1) The boot on the new MC was torn off. I must've done
>that somehow while putting it in. This may be related
>to:

There might have been some rust on the pedal shaft. Todays boots aren't made 
like they used to be either. When I got one this summer, it didn't even come 
with one, so I had to reuse my old one.

>2) I noticed when I put in the old master cylinder,
>the pedal could now be pushed completely to the floor.
>When I pushed down on the pedal with the new MC
>installed, it went about 5-6" and then stopped hard,
>with about 3-4" left between the pedal and the metal
>tray that goes behind the pedals.

It sounds like the new one was trying to work, but if you got the old one 
working, then maybe you can take the new one back, telling them it won't build 
any pressure. I've had a couple do that before, but not that often.

>Anyway, the old MC is back in and working OK, but
>still spongy. Could be my lack of bleeding skills. One
>pump and it's pretty solid, but you need that first
>pump. Sounds like air, right?

Yup, needs more bleeding of the system. Since you're getting the old one to 
work, it might be worthwhile to bleed it some more. Maybe get your better half 
to do a little pedal pushing for you, or some more gravity bleeding.You might 
want to look over all the connections and see if they are tight and leak 
proof. Did you replace the hoses while you were in there? 

>I need to get the car inspected because I'm going to
>be without my Jetta for all of next week and I'll need
>it as a daily driver for a few days, so I think at
>this point I'm going to have the local aircooled
>mechanic check out the car, do the inspection, and
>take care of this while he's at it.

This might be a good idea too. I'd look over everything else before it goes 
in, like the lights, horn, and wiper blades (I don't know why but those places 
like to replace them even if they are only 6 months old). I hope this helps.


Bob 65 Notch S w/ Sunroof
       69 Squareback-AT - the baby suburban
       71 Squareback- now a 2 seat Roadster under construction

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