Master Cylinder brake rod

Discussion in 'Technical' started by HarleyGA, Sep 8, 2014.

  1. HarleyGA

    HarleyGA Member

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    The two rods I received with my new master brake cylinder are both tooooo long. Can anyone tell be what the proper length should be. I saw where someone in here shortened theirs and converted it to an adjustable variety. I plan on try this on mine.
     
  2. rlbriggs7212

    rlbriggs7212 Member

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    I used a Scott Drake part # A21161. Got mine from Summit.
    RLB
     
  3. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    Maverick push rod is 6- 3/8" long.

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Rasit

    Rasit Member

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    I pulled my old one out and put it in my new MC to keep the pedal height the same.
     
  5. streetrod77

    streetrod77 Member

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    I cut 1/2'' out of it. Mine factory power brake rod was 7" long. I have manual brakes now.
     
  6. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    First time I had that problem I cut some out of the rod and welded it back together. Next time I just put a 3/8" spacer between the master cylinder and firewall.
     
  7. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    1.) U made spacer - what material used?
    2.) Did that work better than the cut off rod?
    I am taking my master cyl off soon to do some cosmetics on the firewall and some other improvements. I have an adj. rod, been hanging on my wall over 2yrs; intend to put it on if I can get the clip off the old rod. If that don't work out; I will go to a thicker spacer- there is a spacer on the car now.
     
  8. Crazy Larry

    Crazy Larry Member

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    You don't mention if it is drum brake or disc brake master cylinder. The drum brake M/C has the shortest rod, which is what I use. I don't know the exact length but I'm sure someone here can tell you.
    An adjustable push-rod as previously mentioned may be the way to go.
     
  9. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    I used two steel donuts at the MC mounting ears. I imagine just about anything would work, aluminum, wood, plastic. They don't have any load on them. The studs that used to hold the MC weren't long enough with the added spacers so I removed them and now have longer grade 8 bolts that install from the engine compartment side. I did the spacer thing because I already had the new MC installed and the brakes bled and then realized/remembered the supplied push rod was too long. Didn't want to disassemble everything to cut and weld the new rod. I like the spacer route because it's easy to dial in the pedal height. I checked out the adjustable rods, I thought the price was ridiculous for what it does.
     
  10. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    Thanks for the reply Barry! I agree on the adj. rods being a little pricey; I gess that's the price I paid for being a little lazy. And I wasn't to confident on welding that rod. I will use the rod if I can get the old rod out. I am wondering if all the Ford rods are the same size on the MC end?
     
  11. Crazy Larry

    Crazy Larry Member

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    I wouldn't bother cutting and welding a push-rod. If you're not going to get the adjustable rod, use a rod from a drum-brake master cylinder. Removing the rod is not all that hard, but the retaining clip will get broken in the process and need to be replaced.
    You can put a pickle-fork or a large "Crescent" style wrench around the eyelet, and hit it with a hammer (best to put the M/C in a vice). The force will break the retaining clip and the rod will pop out. Get a new clip and pop the rid into the Disc-brake master cylinder.
     
  12. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    I wasn't aware a M/C clip was sold w/o the MC. Also, I assume (all the rods) are the same dimensions on the ball end? Hammering on the cast cylinder base subjects it to cracking? Never done this b4 - reason I am asking!
     
  13. Crazy Larry

    Crazy Larry Member

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    You're not going to hit the master cylinder. You're going to hit the pickle-fork or large adjustable wrench with the hammer.
     
  14. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    With my band saw. bench grinder, and welder it took all of about 5 minutes and cost nothing.
     
  15. gregmaverick

    gregmaverick Member

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    I have an extra manual brake rod, if you need. Just pay shipping. PM
     

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