[TR] master cylinder rebuild

[Brian Harlan]

I rebuilt the brake master cylinder in my 68 Spitfire last Sunday 
(without honing it) and had the same problem. Thought maybe I had done 
something wrong in the process, so Tuesday I disassembled it and 
re-assembled it, after bleeding the system (again) I had the same 
problem. I had the same thoughts as you - needed honing, weak springs, 
etc. The master cylinder on my car was an aftermarket replacement when I 
bought it. I'm thinking that the kit I ordered from VB is for the OEM 
cylinder, which may be somewhat different, so, rather than continue 
fight with it and stress over it, I have ordered a whole new master 
cylinder. I'm sticking with another aftermarket for now that I found at 
British Spares through ebay. I won it at $87.55 plus S&H. "I know, I 
know. It's not original." But compared to VB's $220.00, it will do for now.

Gary, please post your final resolution so we can all learn from this.

brian

On 4/8/2011 1:00 PM, triumphs-request at autox.team.net wrote:
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2011 16:25:26 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Gary Nafziger<nafzigerg at yahoo.com>
> Subject: [TR] master cylinder rebuild
> To:triumphs at autox.team.net
> Message-ID:<628563.80891.qm at web65308.mail.ac2.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> I've installed new rebuild kits in my 1960 tr-3 master cylinder's  (clutch and
> brake) and find when i push in the plungers they won't spring
> back..............just stick.  One is worse than the other but neither seems
> serviceable.  I've honed both cylinders and due to the age i'd imagine they've
> been honed before over the years so  I'd assume if any problem existed that
> they'd be too loose if anything.  I've measured the inside dimensions and the
> cylinders are 75's so I am pretty sure I have the correct kit.
> My question is whether others on the list have had the same problem.  I'm
> thinking the old springs inside might be weak and new springs might correct the
> problem?
> thanks
>
> gary n.