Help removing MC retaining lock ring

[studdmstr]

I'm in the process of converting from manual brakes to vacuum assisted brakes and I need to remove the retaining lock ring from the master cylinder so I can remove the manual pushrod. I've tried lots of different tools with no luck. What's the trick?

[68F250]

No need to remove the C-clip, it won't help anyway. Just chuck the mc in a vice and pull, REAL HARD! Careful you don't land on your butt when it lets loose.

[studdmstr]

Man 68F250 you must be built like Arnold. I tried pulling that thing out and it didnt' budge. I even backed my two trucks back to back and attached a come along to the rod side and tie downs to the other and tried to pull the rod out that way. No luck, but I did manage to pull the 72 out of the garage about 6 inches even with it in gear and the emergency brake on. I think I'll just turn the MC in as a core for a new one before I damage something or hurt myself trying to get the rod out.

[turbocharged400sbc]

it's worth a try...cut a thin peice of sheetmetal (i think i used a beercan) about 1 inch by 2 inches (or longer if needed) and roll it around the rod (fairly tight) i taped it and slid it into the retaining clip to release the tangs, the rod will twist out fairly easily at that point...

i did ths a couple times replacing the plastic clutch master on newer ford trucks (same type of clip, just smaller dia rod)

i hope that helps ya out...though a new MC might not be a bad idea....

Regards, James

[splavin90]

i would just get a new one.

don't break your core.

[dcbullet]

Yes, it should just pull out (with a lot of effort). This is what it looks like when it comes out so you can see the retaining clip on the right. It's not that large so I wonder if you have an internal problem.

[fordman]

probably rust and dirt holding it in and maybe some super glue from the sound of that tug of war.

[studdmstr]

Thanks for the pic dcbullet, I see how the clip holds the rod in now. It's a challege now to get it out, so I'll give turbocharged400sbc's method a try before giving up and get a new MC. I can't believe with all the pulling that it hasn't popped out yet.
Thanks for all the ideas and help

[68F250]

There's a groove inside (with no taper) where those tangs lock in. When it snaps in, it's in there! I remember one mc that I could not get the dang thing out. Maybe put a drop of brake fluid in there to act as a lubricant. I wouldn't use anything else as it might run out and wick around to inside the mc and ruin the seals.