HELP, on Cross Country trip, need a master cylinder replaced

[jamezmc]

Hi Samba-ers,

My girlfriend, dog, and I are on a cross country road trip in our 1980 aircooled Vanagon. We need to find a mechanic with parts, and reasonable prices to replace our master cylinder which currently has a slow leak. It seems to get worse with the varying temperatures, but is still working allright, but I feel its worth replacing as soon as possible. We are currently in the Charleston, WV area, and will be continuing on to the Lexington KY area today, then Nashville, TN. Does anyone out there either know a good mechanic we can get in touch with? or possibly a way to slow this leak so it won't get any worse until we get back to CA? Thanks for your help and please feel free to check out our blog about the trip so far.

-Jamez

http://www.avanture.wordpress.com

[The Sage]

Use search.

http://www.type2.com/rescue/index2.html

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/shops/
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[terryg]

[WVVWFERG]

I'm in Charleston (WV). I called a local VW shop (KEITH's VW in Elkview, about 20 minutes north 304-548-7627) and they have a new one in stock $89.95.They don't install parts. Keiths VW in NITRO (2 different businesses with similar names..confusing). Doesn't have the part, but probably /maybe could install it tomorrow (304-722-5900).. I have a good MC that I changed out when I was redoing my Vanagon, but it is in Ashland, KY (Just over the river from WV on I-64 east. Call Randy at 606-571-4593 (he is a fireman and works Tuesday); he said he can dig it out and it's your's free if that helps (it really isn't hard to remove /install) He might be able to help you out. Good luck Kim Ferguson

[jamezmc]

Thanks Kim and Terry for the info,

we are still on the road, and so far the leak seems to have slowed. I've got good pressure on the clutch and brakes, and we continue on with some apprehension, mainly constrained by the price for the install from the shops we've called. Does anyone know of a good cheap place in the south (TN, OK) we're not constrained to any specific route, but will consider any place that might be able to help us.

-Jamez

[WVVWFERG]

Jamez The Clutch and Brake master cylinders are, of course, seperate items, but are both refilled from the same "bottle" under the dash cover. What exactly are your symptoms? Is there "brake fluid" leaking into the driver's floor? if not, you might want to check the clutch slave cylinder (at "firewall" on driver's side ...it seems that it always leaks first, at least in my cases). Once you know what needs to be replaced, perhaps someone may be able to give you better advise. However, you can replace either the clutch master or slave cylinder yourself, if need be (if you replace either, the common wisdom is that you should replace the other RELATIVELY soon... when you get home). Good luck Kim

[Wildthings]

WVVWFERG is correct here the brake fluid reservoir supplies both brakes and the clutch. Any leak anywhere will make the level drop. Check the inside of all your wheels for signs of leaking and the left side of the bellhousing area. If the brake master is leaking you will not be able to see the leak as it will leaking into the power brake booster. All the others must leak externally.

Either the brake or clutch masters can be changed with minimal tools. I would suggest just parking outside a Sears store to do the work so you can run in and buy what ever tools you don't have. If you have any tools with you at all it is likely you will only need to buy a tubing wrench of the correct size to break the nuts on the brake lines loose.

Once you get home do all the rubber brake hoses if you are not absolutely positive they have not been replaced recently.

[jamezmc]

Thank you,

I'm sorry I wasn't more specific. The leak seems to be coming down of the the clutch master cyl. my brake cyl was replaced when I dropped in my rebuilt engine and other miscellaneous things done this past summer. My reservoir does not seem to be going down at all, so I'm assuming this is a super small leak either in the cylinder, or from the hose leading down to the cylinder. I'll take some pics and post them to see if any of you might notice something that I am not. Again thanks to everyone who is taking the time to help us out. We really do appreciate it.

-jamez

[Wildthings]

Are you seeing brake fluid on your floor at the bottom of the steering column? This is where a leak from the clutch master cylinder will end up. The clutch master is very easy to replace, anyone should be able to do it. Only takes a total of four different tools to remove, replace, and bleed that I can think of.