Master cylinder removal.

[Todd502]

I am trying to remove the master cylinder from my 70 Duster with factory manual discs. I can't get the actuator rod to detach from the cylinder. Am I missing something?

 

[Ricks70Duster340]

I am trying to remove the master cylinder from my 70 Duster with factory manual discs. I can't get the actuator rod to detach from the cylinder. Am I missing something?

They often get stuck like that. I have put vicegrips onto the rod and put a big screwdriver between the MC body and vice grips to force it off. Worked for me.

 

[Inertia]

Is the m/c in the car, if not, do you have a vice ?

 

[cudamark]

Either pull the master with the rod and separate them in a vice, or, loosen the master cylinder first, put a 1" wooden block between it and the firewall, then pull up on the brake pedal to pop the rod out of the master cylinder piston. I'd take the brake light switch loose first too so you don't accidentally damage it when the pedal comes up.

 

[Murray]

I do it in the vise. Remove the rod and piston. Put rod in the vise with 1/4" piston clearance. Now pry piston off rod. Be sure you have a new rubber "O" ring.

 

[Inertia]

I leave the piston in the casting, and pry the casting/piston off of the rod that's held horizontally in the vise.