Brake fluid?

[mljjones67]

What is the best way to change the brake fluid? My master cylinder cap gasket was so stretched out that it let moisture in. Plus I have a soft pedal. I hope changing the fluid will fix that. It has power brakes. Thanks all

[Banjo]

I'm going to be doing all mine, due to front end rebuilt/disc conversion and I'm going to crack the lines and blow carb cleaner into mine and blow out w/air compressor, but I'm sure someone has better ideas, that's just what I've figured. You can get a rebuilt master for about what the rubber gasket costs (ok, maybe $8 more), just went through that.

[mljjones67]

So does the new master come with the gasket?
What truck do you have? f100 f250? 4x4 or 2x4? Also what year? I have a parts truck that I can convert mine over to disk also. But I think it is a 70 but it should work. What parts did you use? Or need?
Thanks banjo

[fordman]

the parts stores have new master cylinders. yea just opening the valve and blowing air through them should work by itslef. i dontthiink id put a cleaner in the lines it could dry up the seals in the wheel cylinders. but it might not.

[mljjones67]

Thanks fordman

[theogre5150]

Yeah, the master cylinders come with the gasket. I replaced mine a couple of months back. I just bled the brakes like there was no tomorrow to get the old fluid out. Get you a couple of bottles of brake fluid.

[Banjo]

Let me clear up, I see I have muddied the brake fluid/water! Any hardlines to brakes (wheel cylinders or calipers) should probably be unbolted from those items prior to blowing through it or shooting carb cleaner in and using compressed air. I'd think any residual traces of old fluid would work its way out during bleeding process between installing new master cylinder and refilling lines.
the rebuilt master cylinders come with the lid and gasket and brass fittings that screw into side.

[mljjones67]

I am going to start at the master. I will clean all that old fluid out and replace the master. Then see how it goes. I have to pump up the brakes a little but they stop really well. Just a little squishy peddle!

[kaptnkaos]

just a tip...

For less than $20 you can get a brake bleeder tool from Harbor Freight that eliminates having two people and having to pump the brake pedal.
That is about the only way to really get the system cleaned out.
They really work slick. You fit the rubber tube over the bleeder valve, crack the valve then squeeze the handle on the pump...
It sucks the fluid thru the lines.
Do it until it comes out clean, making sure that you check the master cylinder so it doesn't run dry... close off the bleeder screw then go to the next wheel, until you have them all done.

KaptnKA S

[mljjones67]

Thanks Kapt

[CH3NO2]

I have had 3 or 4 M/C's on my truck.I think they fail because of moisture in the fluid causing the mud in the system.I just replaced the M/C & booster in my truck.I flushed the system with brakleen & air than put in DOT 5 fluid which is silicone based and does not asorb water.It's a little expensive,but if I'd had done it before I would be money ahead now.