brake master cylinder

[apkole]

Our 99 CTD has 58K on it and the brake pedal is going away. Conversations with the dealer indicate a replacement master is most likely the fix. Any comments on longevity for this particular component? Our 91 CTD at 168K 0hasn't ever had the master replaced to my knowledge, despite considerable plowing and hauling activity.

 

[Ram_Kowboy]

That sounds like a Master Cylinder to me too. Just a couple of comments. Have the brakes recently been serviced? It is hard to compare to different trucks because there are so many varibles. But I have noticed that the more a truck is used the longer the life of the Master Cylinder. If the truck sits alot then you can get debris build up. Also water is absorbed right out of the atmosphere and can cause brake fluid break down.

 

[illflem]

Forcing the front brake piston back when replacing pads can also damage the master cylinder. It's best to open the bleed screw when doing this, the master has cheapo aluminum parts that are easily damaged. Did you replace pads recently?

 

[apkole]

solution

Truck went to dealer today (7/11). Service mechanic called to tell me that the problem with the brakes was a defective wheel bearing, of all things!! Turns out that upon lifting the truck, they were able to get 2" of lateral movement of the tire and rim assembly. Brakes do funny things when they see a wobbly rotor assembly, I guess. Whooda thunk it.



Illflem and Ram Kowboy, thanks for the replies. Truck is a little over 2 years old and has 57k on o-do-meter. It doesn't sit much b'cause it's way too much fun to drive. I'm too busy installing roofs this time of year to crawl under my vehicles, so have found a trusted dealer to do the work. Just so happens, this work falls under my xtended warranty. There is a deductible, but I would've $pent way more trying to figger it out and replacing lot$ of needle$$ part$ in the proce$$.



Oh, and another thing, read my lift pump post.....