Brake master cylinder - refurb or replace?

[SimonGTV]

Hi,

In the continuing saga to improve the brakes there's only the master cylinder left to look at. My local alfa specialist and my renovation book says don't bother with a rebuild as the problem may be the bores not just the seals but at £340 for a new cylinder or £40 for a rebuild kit, is it worth a try, especially as the car has only done 54k.

Anyone had success with a rebuild?

Ta

[Cosmo]

Originally Posted by SimonGTV

Hi,
My local alfa specialist and my renovation book says don't bother with a rebuild as the problem may be the bores not just the seals but at £340 for a new cylinder or £40 for a rebuild kit, is it worth a try, especially as the car has only done 54k.

It sounds tempting to save the money but I suspect that it will be a false economy if you want to keep the car for any length of time. And do you really want to be a cheapskate on a significant safety feature such as the brakes?

Having said that, £340 is a ton of money so I see your dilemma. I don't know what model you have but Alfaholics do a conversion kit for 105 based cars that use a standard Girling MC for quite a bit less RHD Single Circuit Race Brake Master Cylinder Conversion Kit | Classic Alfa Romeo spare parts and accessories. Or if you are any good at metalwork you could fabricate a similar item yourself pretty cheaply.

[SimonGTV]

thanks Cosmo i'll look into those

[VeloceMitch]

You would need the twin circuit version for 74 spider I believe, i don't think there would be much of a saving but it would probably be more reliable.

[spiderserie4]

I would first take the old one off before blowing 350 quid on a new one, clean & inspect it properly and if the bores look decent but the seals look to be knackered, use a rebuild kit. That is what they are there for!

[SimonGTV]

Yeah mine is the dual system, twice the problems and twice as expensive to repair!

You're right, I'll have a good look before i shell out.