How to Remove the Reservoir From the Master Cylinder
by Ryan Menezes
In your car's brake system, a plastic reservoir supplies the master cylinder with brake fluid. If the reservoir cracks or becomes damaged, it can leak fluid or let in contamination. You will need to remove it from the master cylinder to examine it and replace if necessary. Hold the cylinder in a fixed position to keep it protected from damage when you pry away the reservoir.
Step 1
Lift the car's hood and prop it up to access the engine compartment.
Step 2
Locate the master cylinder. This is a metal or plastic component on the driver's side of the engine near the firewall. Four hoses, the brake lines, connect to it.
Step 3
Clamp a vise onto the master cylinder's body flange and tighten it.
Step 4
Insert a pry bar between the plastic reservoir and the metal cylinder.
Step 5
Push the reservoir body away from the cylinder.
Step 6
Peel off the rubber grommets that seal the reservoir to the cylinder.
References
- "Shop Manual for Automotive Brake Systems"; Clifton E. Owen; 2003
Things You'll Need
- Vise
- Pry bar or flat head screwdriver
Writer Bio
Ryan Menezes is a professional writer and blogger. He has a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Boston University and has written for the American Civil Liberties Union, the marketing firm InSegment and the project management service Assembla. He is also a member of Mensa and the American Parliamentary Debate Association.
