350i brake master cylinder - is it a Ford Cortina one?

[sprevett]

Hi all,

Twice (in two different wedges) over the years I have experienced sudden brake failure (i.e pedal straight to floor...buttock clenching moments...) which then miraculously is then fine and you;re left wondering if you're going mad or did that just really happen?

No loss of fluid, nothing untoward anywhere....and the best theory I've ever heard is master cylinder seals 'folding over themselves' and then popping back...has anyone heard of this??

it would seem from previous threads that my '85 S2 350i uses a Ford master cylinder so for the sake of a few quid I'm inclined to replace it anyway.

It also seems you can buy it with or without the reservoir on top?

I found what I think is the required part (with reservoir) on Europarts (part number 132590010) for a sale [price of £72.

If anyone can confirm it's the one I want that'd be great.
ta
Steve

[jon haines]

I have had this on my 86 350i and it was indeed the seals. I couldnt find out for defo what's it came off so just bought a new one from rt racing and from what I can remember it wasnt much more than the ford items.

[sprevett]

ok thanks Jon

[simonwedge]

Search on Ford Cortina 1977-82 1.6/2.0 on http://brakeparts.co.uk/ . Part no BMC4259 at £47.77. Although it's not shown with the reservoir mine did come with one I think. Even if it doesn't you can just re-use your old one.

[jmorgan]

I understand they can be tricky to match up. On mine the cylinder failed at the MOT and the cause was, I think, the bore was out of shape (worn). New seals would have been a temporary fix. The garage went by the part number on the casting as they found there were a few options. Something to watch out for I think?

It was replaced using the old reservoir.

Think there was more to the failure than I remember. Might have been a pipe burst and when refilling the cylinder the issue was picked up when bleeding.