Brake Q's

[Fred]

Hey I am fixing to do a brake job on the ole XJ. My current issue is lack of peddle. I checked fluids and the rubber "seal" on the Master Cylinder cap was "inflated". What is this significant of? Is it bad fluid, Air in the system, bad MAster Cylinder? I cannot remember but I have seen this before.

For under $200 I can replace Calipers, pads, wheel cylinders, shoes, springs in rear, and front lines. The Master Cylinder will run me another $85-$100.

[Bigskyxj]

When the seal protrudes into the reservoir it means that your fluid level has gone down. When the fluid level has gone down it usually means you have a leak somewhere or you bled your brakes and never refilled it.

As far as replacing the master cylinder, I wouldn't bother until you have replaced any worn brake pads or shoes and bled the system of any air. If your brake pedal still feels mushy then I would suggest butying a master cylinder rebuild kit for around $10 or buy a new master cylinder.

Hope this helps.

[Fred]

does help thanks

[irish1371]

don't forget that as the pads wear it leaves the caliper piston further out, leaving less fluid in the master. may be why the level is low

[hobbyshopass]

Adjusting the rear shoes will help with the pedal height. If you can pump the pedal and it hard and you hold it and it goes down then the MS is bad. Hope this info helps.