• Registered: 2010-11-08
  • Posts: 3

Topic: new member with master cylinder question

Hi,
I am new here, and to Volkswagens, but not cars in general.
I have aquired a '69 Ghia that has been in the family almost since it was new.
It was a California car until a few years ago.
My question is regarding the brake master cylinder. One of the grommets (don't know if that is the correct name)
on the top of the cylinder has come out. The rubber is not in good shape, and I cannot simply push it back in.
It won't stay seated. Do I need to change the master, or are those grommets available? Can they be installed
easily, or is there some kind of a press involved? The gas tank is out right now, so I can access the
cylinder with no problem.
Would save some money and time if I don't have to change the cylinder.

Sorry for the long post, thanks in advance for any help.

  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,336

Re: new member with master cylinder question

I would just replace the master cylinder.  It's probably old, who knows when something else will go wrong with it, and they're really not that expensive.

Two to choose from these guys:

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp … 015%2DBDGR

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp … 2D015%2DBD

Of course there are other places to purchase them as well.

Hope this helps,

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • From: somewhere over the rainbow USA
  • Registered: 2006-07-26
  • Posts: 1,889

Re: new member with master cylinder question

Welcome
yes, you can just replace the rubber grommet. If you look at the link Nick posted, They are listed. You just need to measure it.
Good Luck

burrhead

A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.
  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,336

Re: new member with master cylinder question

If you decide to replace the grommet that came out...

CIP1 calls it a "BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RUBBER PLUG - SECURES INLET PIPE TO CYL."

...I would replace both while you're at it.

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • Registered: 2010-10-19
  • Posts: 34

Re: new member with master cylinder question

Hello all~ Has anyone else purchased these plugs from CIP1? I have earlier this summer, it dry rotted and cracked in no time..I bought one at Wolfsburg West, seems to be fine so far! Hope this helps, ~~ Todd

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
  • Registered: 2010-11-08
  • Posts: 3

Re: new member with master cylinder question

Thanks everyone for the fast responses and advice.
I may yet go with the new MC, but I was curious about the grommets, and trying to learn about the Ghia.

  • From: Portage, Indiana
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 454

Re: new member with master cylinder question

Yes, you can replace just the grommets, but why? If they're bad, think about what kind of shape the other rubber bits and seals in the master cylinder are in. As mentioned, they're inexpensive, it's not a hard job, and you have easy access. Brakes aren't something you want to do halfway, IMO.

Jordan

  • Registered: 2010-11-08
  • Posts: 3

Re: new member with master cylinder question

Thanks, I agree about the importance of a good brake system.
The funny thing is, this car went through a good deal of mechanical work in the
recent past, while it was owned by a family member. That work included the brake system.
The MC, wheel cylinders, lines etc. were all changed. Even with the problem with the grommet,
the brakes still work. I wouldn't have known about the loose grommet if I had not removed
the gas tank because of a small leak at the tube on the bottom.
I will probably just change the master. The car is in the garage for the winter anyway, as I
am in the process of doing a new interior.

Thanks again, I'm glad I found this site.

  • From: somewhere over the rainbow USA
  • Registered: 2006-07-26
  • Posts: 1,889

Re: new member with master cylinder question

just  more of my 2 cents.
if the MC was replaced in the recent past and works, why take a chance on getting an inferior part to replace it? Seems to be more and more sub par products out there.
But it is your car and your decision.
Make sure you get the blue fabric brake hose for the plastic nipple to the metal line transition.

burrhead

A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.
  • Registered: 2007-03-09
  • Posts: 40

Re: new member with master cylinder question

we have the grommets, they are genuine and will not fail like the ones that dry-rotted.

http://www.germansupply.com/xcart/custo … ctid=16552

scott lyons
http://www.germansupply.com

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