1951 Dodge Brake Pedal

[John D.]

Hi all. I'm trying to replace the master cylinder on a 1951 Dodge Coronet and can't seem to figure out how to get the U shaped clip off the brake pedal pivot holding the pedal arm to the front of the master cylinder where it pivots. I've tried pushing it off with screwdrivers, but no luck. I've tried to get behind it to pull it off, but can't get any clearance. What should I do and what type of tool should I use????? I'm out of ideas. Thanks!!

John

[wbower3]

Hey John, for what it's worth, that clip is a soft metal clip that is squeezed at the ends to 'lock' it in the groove on the shaft. If you are able to spread the two ends of the 'U', you should then be able to push it back and get a tool between the fat part if the 'U' and the shaft and slip it off. Otherwise, use a ballpeen hammer and a prickpunch with a sharp point that can be place on the fat part of the 'U' and gently drive it back. When it goes back to gether if you are careful getting it off, you can flatten it and re use it by squeezing it closed.

[John D.]

Thanks wbower3. I tried prying from the back again with a knife, but no luck. So, I waited for my brother-in-law's arrival and he, being more mechanically inclined than I, got it off. He held two screwdrivers in one hand crossed like an X sticking through his fingers and alternately hit each one with a hammer slowly backing the clip off until it popped off. It was impressive to watch! Now on to the master cylinder replacement.

John

[John D.]

OK, I can't be the only rookie who's had to do this, so HELP please!! I got the master cylinder off and I'm ready to put the new one on, but the what looks like stainless steel rod the brake pedal linkage was attached to going through the front part of the master cylinder needs to be moved from the old one to the new one. How do I get it out??? It's the part that had the U clips on either end and is about three inches long and penney size in diameter. I whacked it with a hammer, but it didn't budge. I'm soaking it with penetrating oil. Do I keep doing that and whacking it until it shoots out? Thanks for any help.

John