To remove the brake fluid reservoir, first, raise the hood and locate the master cylinder. Usually, it is next to the firewall and is plastic or metallic in nature. Hold it with a vise and slide a flathead screw to detach it from the master cylinder.
The hydraulic clutch of almost all current vehicles works through a master cylinder. When you press the clutch, the hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder enters the slave cylinder via a copper tube. If for some reason, the slave cylinder breaks down, it leaks and fluid bleeding occurs.
If you are in a similar situation and are having trouble with your car’s brake fluid reservoir? Then, you have stepped into the right place because this article has the solution to the problem related to brake fluid reservoirs.
In this article, we will discuss how to remove the brake fluid reservoir from your car’s master cylinder. As the discussion progresses, you will learn the whole procedure in a step-wise manner.
Why Would You Need to Remove the Brake Fluid Reservoir?
The brake master cylinder reservoir or brake fluid reservoir, whatever you say, is made of plastic polymer. It is strong and often lasts very long. However, over time, the plastic becomes brittle and may crack. When that happens, brake fluid leaks through these cracks.
Did you know that the fluid used in brake reservoirs is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water? Moisture enters the reservoir through the cracks and contaminates the hydraulic brake fluid. As a result, the contaminant hydraulic fluid reduces the boiling point and greatly reduces the braking performance of your vehicle.
However, cracks in the reservoir are not the only thing for which you may need to change the brake fluid reservoir.
Sometimes the reservoir cap needs a replacement. This happens, when your vehicle’s venting or diaphragm is damaged. Consequently, the moisture seal of the cap is broken, and the fluid gets contaminated in a similar way as with cracks.
Requirements to Remove the Brake Fluid Reservoir from the Master Cylinder
You may not need much equipment to remove the brake fluid reservoir from the master cylinder. The only tools you need are the following:
- A vise
- A screwdriver that has a flat head/a pry bar.
How to Remove the Brake Fluid Reservoir from the Master Cylinder?
If you are new to car repairs and only have a rough idea about the car & its parts, you might face difficulty while completing this task. However, it may be a little difficult for those who have never done this kind of work before.
No problem, because our article is for everyone who wants to remove the brake fluid reservoir from the master cylinder themselves. Just follow the steps discussed below properly.
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<a href="https://autoglobes.com/how-to-remove-brake-fluid-reservoir-from-master-cylinder/" title="autoglobes.com Infographic"><img src="https://autoglobes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/5-steps-to-Remove-the-Brake-Fluid-Reservoir-from-the-Master-Cylinder.png" width="100%" style="max-width: 850px;" alt="autoglobes.com Infographic"></a><br>Infographic by <a href="https://autoglobes.com/" target="_blank">Autoglobes.com</a>Step 1: Raise the Hood
The first step to solving any problem is locating the source of the problem. For that, you will need to locate the malfunctioned area. Since the master cylinder exists in the engine chamber of the car which is located under the hood. So, you have to lift the hood.
In this case, care must be taken so that the hood doesn’t fall on your neck or head. Notice a wand under the hood with which you can prevent it from dropping.
Step 2: Locate the Main Cylinder
Next, you need to find the master cylinder. If you have no preconceived notions about automotive, you need to be careful because you do not know what you might encounter under the hood.
The master cylinder is mostly right next to the driver’s seat. It is mounted very close to the firewall and made of either metal or plastic. You can identify it from the four hoses and the brake line attached to it.
Step 3: Protect the Cylinder with a Vise
Did you get the master cylinder? Then follow the next step.
All you have to do is ensure the safety of the master cylinder. For this, you have to stick a vise with the cylinder. This will make the cylinder steady and safer. Remember, if you don’t clamp it with a vise, the whole procedure will become hard for you.
Step 4: Slide the Screwdriver/Pry Bar
Now that you have firmly fixed the vise, slip a flathead screwdriver or a pry bar right in the middle of the brake fluid reservoir and the cylinder.
In this case, both caution and stability are very important. Make sure that the device you are utilizing is up to standard because if the tools, with which you are working, are damaged, then both your time and money will be wasted
Step 5: Nudge the Reservoir Apart
Notice that when you insert your screwdriver or pry bar through the cylinder and reservoir, it will detach from the cylinder as soon as you push the reservoir. So, do that, i.e. separate the reservoir from the cylinder. When done, see there is a rubber that holds the two objects together, remove it too. Ta-Da! Your task is complete!
Conclusion
The brake system is one of the most crucial systems of a car. To keep your car in control, the fluid reservoir needs to be at optimum level. However, when the fluid reservoir develops a few cracks, your braking system is at risk, and you need to replace the fluid reservoir.
We believe that you can easily remove the brake fluid reservoir from the master cylinder by combining your prior knowledge of automotive and the information in this article. However, if in any case, you are unable to complete the task, you must seek the help of a professional.
