brianpgh Posted April 1, 2018 Share Posted April 1, 2018 Hi folks, I’m working on my 53 Buick super convertible and have a question on rebuilding the master cylinder. I honed the cylinder, but later read in the service manual that this is not recommended. Does anyone have a recommendation on honing the cylinder to get a good smith surface? Also, I was thinking to use dot 3 brake fluid, but did not know if silicone fluid would be compatible and recommended? I’m replacing all components and lines. Appreciate the advise! brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted April 3, 2018 Share Posted April 3, 2018 (edited) I do not have an answer for the hone portion of your question. I have heard of installing a sleeve in some of the master cylinders though. If you are replacing all rubber products in the system DOT 3 will be fine. Edited April 3, 2018 by avgwarhawk (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted April 3, 2018 Share Posted April 3, 2018 I have honed and reused mine. If it had deep pitting it would need to be sleeved or replaced entirely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph P. Indusi Posted April 3, 2018 Share Posted April 3, 2018 DOT 3 is not compatible with silicone brake fluid usually marketed as DOT 5. I have had DOT 5 in my 53 Special for 20 years and never had any problem other than having to replace the brake light switch a few times. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted April 3, 2018 Share Posted April 3, 2018 Unless you find a new master cylinder have yours sleeved. When new the cylinders had a hard surface rolled into the inside and honing removes that hard surface, which along with pits gives diminishing returns on the rebuild. On those cylinders when starting to fail, they don't just start leaking a little, there are no brakes at all. When driving those cars back when they were contemporary, I always carried a kit and some brake fluid and rehearsed using the parking brake. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianpgh Posted April 5, 2018 Author Share Posted April 5, 2018 Do folks recommend brass or stainless sleeving? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted April 5, 2018 Share Posted April 5, 2018 4 hours ago, brianpgh said: Do folks recommend brass or stainless sleeving? Both will serve you well. Just go with a supplier/rebuilder that you can work with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted April 5, 2018 Share Posted April 5, 2018 Brass is a little softer and may open up faster than stainless... If you drive the car daily. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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