Author Topic: Replacing master cylinder? (Read 2388 times)

robdrobd · « **on:** December 13, 2009, 10:28:27 AM »

Can I buy any master cylinder and replace mine? I would like to get an entire new unit, from the well all the way down to the front brake pads. Any ideas? Can I buy the whole package somewhere?

Hush · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2009, 11:20:18 AM »

You're probably 30 years too late with that request mate.
I do know you can get aftermarket fluid reservoirs and braided lines, not sure about the caliper section, I'm guessing you would have to stay with your old system and just recon it with seals and pads.

HawaiiMike · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2009, 02:58:47 PM »

You'll probably have to buy all separate parts.

Here's where you can get a good replacement master cylinder.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FRONT-BRAKE-MASTER-CYLINDER-CB400-CB450-CB550-NIGHTHAWK_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1c0e905783QQitemZ120503424899QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
I have one of them on my CB550. Getting braided lines and new brake pads is easy.

XN · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2009, 12:05:05 AM »

Quote from: HawaiiMike on December 13, 2009, 02:58:47 PM

You'll probably have to buy all separate parts.

Here's where you can get a good replacement master cylinder.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FRONT-BRAKE-MASTER-CYLINDER-CB400-CB450-CB550-NIGHTHAWK_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1c0e905783QQitemZ120503424899QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
I have one of them on my CB550. Getting braided lines and new brake pads is easy.

I have this. Good stuff!

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2009, 01:38:45 AM »

The problem with cheap Chinese/Taiwanese aftermarket parts like this is, where do you buy basic replacement items like levers or eventually, a rebuild kit?

I've replaced the MC's on several of my bikes, and as much as I like the looks of parts like this, "chrome don't get you home" etc, so I buy good used "known brand" parts. I just installed a Suzuki Bandit 1200 MC on my GS1000S, and it is so good, it feels like I've replaced the lines, calipers etc, with something modern. Good thing is I can buy anything I need for it from my local Suzuki shop, can you do that with these "unknown" aftermarket MC's? I don't think so..........

Any modern Japanese MC off a medium to large bike will work much better than your OEM MC, you can buy them for as little as 20 bucks on EBay and even if they need a new lever and a rebuild kit, it'll only cost around the same all up as that aftermarket MC, and of course, if you need anything, it'll be readily available from your local bike shop. Cheers, Terry.

MFHP · « **Reply #5 on:** December 21, 2009, 07:58:27 AM »

Like Terry said, you can use any modern MC if you don't care about original looks .
If you have dual disks, you should look for a MC with an ID between 15 and maybe max. 17mm.
14mm might be working good with a single disk.
I replaced my MC after I crashed and rebuild the bike with a new after market Nissin with an ID of 14mm. It seems to be bit to small for the duals I have as the lever travel is relativ long compared to the normally used MC from the GL1000 or DOHC Fours. But it brakes fantastic only needing two fingers.

Mike

750K77, CB500Four

robdrobd · « **Reply #6 on:** December 21, 2009, 08:43:46 AM »

Just so I am clear. I have to buy the entire unit from the bars all the way down to the disc. As long as I do that, I should be fine?

robdrobd · « **Reply #7 on:** December 21, 2009, 09:02:09 AM »

Let's say I get one from a newer bike. How do I mount the darn thing. Do I need someone to fabricate a custom bracket for me?

MFHP · « **Reply #8 on:** December 21, 2009, 12:50:26 PM »

sounds as if you not only wish to get a new MC but also calipers. The easiest way is to combine the modern MC with the good old stock calipers. Just bolt on.
If you wish to use modern calipers as well you would be best advised to swap the whole frontend and use the calipers fitting to that fork. Rotors as well. Hell of a job.
If you wish to retain at least part of the classic look, use a F2 or DOHC or GL1000 frontend. Modern calipers can be better made to fit those with making custom brackets for the calipers. I think there are a lot of threads in this forum dealing with that.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #9 on:** December 21, 2009, 02:10:17 PM »

Quote from: robdrobd on December 21, 2009, 09:02:09 AM

Let's say I get one from a newer bike. How do I mount the darn thing. Do I need someone to fabricate a custom bracket for me?

No mate, most modern master cylinders (including the fancy ones with remote reservoirs) will mount on your handlebars where your original one is currently mounted.

Quote from: robdrobd on December 21, 2009, 08:43:46 AM

Just so I am clear. I have to buy the entire unit from the bars all the way down to the disc. As long as I do that, I should be fine?

No mate, you don't have to buy anything from the handlebars down. Your brake hoses will mount to just about any modern master cylinder. Cheers, Terry.

Tnutz · « **Reply #10 on:** December 21, 2009, 02:26:49 PM »

i bought one from mikesxs for my xs650 and it was a good piece for the price, worked great. bought a new one from a salvage shop here (probably made in taiwan) and i cannot get the damn thing to not be squishy as hell. i had to put the OEM back on for now.

HondaNorway · « **Reply #11 on:** December 21, 2009, 02:44:41 PM »

Quote from: Terry in Australia on December 17, 2009, 01:38:45 AM

The problem with cheap Chinese/Taiwanese aftermarket parts like this is, where do you buy basic replacement items like levers or eventually, a rebuild kit?

I've replaced the MC's on several of my bikes, and as much as I like the looks of parts like this, "chrome don't get you home" etc, so I buy good used "known brand" parts. I just installed a Suzuki Bandit 1200 MC on my GS1000S, and it is so good, it feels like I've replaced the lines, calipers etc, with something modern. Good thing is I can buy anything I need for it from my local Suzuki shop, can you do that with these "unknown" aftermarket MC's? I don't think so..........

Any modern Japanese MC off a medium to large bike will work much better than your OEM MC, you can buy them for as little as 20 bucks on EBay and even if they need a new lever and a rebuild kit, it'll only cost around the same all up as that aftermarket MC, and of course, if you need anything, it'll be readily available from your local bike shop. Cheers, Terry.

What is the main difference between the old OEM MC, and a modern MC? Isn't it just a spring and some washer's and such in the MC? I am restoring my bike this winter, and i am wondering if I also should do something with the MC. I will at least measure the brake pads on the caliper, and propably replace them. They make sound and "are on" when i have'nt activated the front brake.
What do you think?

Cheers, Stian

robdrobd · « **Reply #12 on:** December 21, 2009, 07:30:04 PM »

Is there an option for replacing that stiff pipe that comes from the caliper with something more flexible and aesthetically pleasing?

grandelatte · « **Reply #13 on:** December 21, 2009, 09:00:35 PM »

Quote from: robdrobd on December 21, 2009, 07:30:04 PM

Is there an option for replacing that stiff pipe that comes from the caliper with something more flexible and aesthetically pleasing?

I was hoping that Santa will bring me SS braided brake hoses.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=54790.0

robdrobd · « **Reply #14 on:** December 22, 2009, 05:17:24 AM »

Does that mean that regular braided hose can replace that stiff pipe that come from the caliper. That would be ideal.

MFHP · « **Reply #15 on:** December 22, 2009, 05:33:18 AM »

Quote from: robdrobd on December 22, 2009, 05:17:24 AM

Does that mean that regular braided hose can replace that stiff pipe that come from the caliper. That would be ideal.

you could if you wish to. Did that with mine.

Mike

strynboen · « **Reply #16 on:** December 22, 2009, 07:26:14 AM »

i do this vay on my yamaha

strynboen · « **Reply #17 on:** December 22, 2009, 07:27:55 AM »

its universel just kut off and skrev together..

robdrobd · « **Reply #18 on:** December 22, 2009, 09:37:45 AM »

Does anyone have any pics of where they replaced all of the lines with braided, including the metal piping that comes from the caliper? Any performance issues with eliminating the piping?

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Author Topic: Replacing master cylinder? (Read 2388 times)