OEM 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Brake Master Cylinder

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Brake Master Cylinder Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to overhaul the brake master cylinder on 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?

  A: To overhaul the Brake Master Cylinder, start by removing it off of the vehicle and clamp the mounting flange into a bench vise in a way that it will leave the back of the primary Piston exposed. Clean around the cap on the master cylinder reservoir on the outside prior to removing the cap and diaphragm and then check those components for cuts, cracks, nicks or deformation and replace any damaged parts. Next, remove the master cylinder reservoir and use a smooth, round-pointed tool to push the primary Piston down for removal of the Piston retainer, then draw the primary Piston assembly thence out of the bore. Plug the cylinder inlet ports and the rear outlet port, and blow air through of the front outlet port in a low-pressure, non-lubricated, filtered air to eliminate the secondary Piston along with the primary and secondary seals and return spring. Remove and dispose of the primary Piston assembly, the Piston retainer, and the seals for the secondary Piston. Clean the interior and exterior of the master cylinder, secondary Piston, and return spring with denatured alcohol, checking for cracks, scoring, pitting, or corrosion and replace the master cylinder if the problems are discovered. Dry all components with non-lubricated, filtered air, followed by lubricating the master cylinder bore, secondary Piston, return spring, and all overhaul components with delco supreme 11(R) (GM P/N 12377967) or equivalent dot-3 brake fluid taken from a clean and sealed container. Mount the lubricated new primary seal and retainer as well as the new secondary seal onto the secondary Piston followed by the lubricated return spring, secondary Piston assembly into the cylinder bore, mounting the new primary Piston assembly lubricated accordingly. Use a smooth, round-edge tool depress the primary Piston and replace with the new Piston retainer so reattach master cylinder reservoir and cap and diaphragm before installing the master cylinder on the vehicle.