New Master Cylinder?

[trj911]

My wrench says I need new front rotors, pads and calipers. He says while that is going on, because of the age of the car ('83 SC) I should also put in a new master cylinder.
1) Do you think that is necessary?
2) Which rotors and calipers should I go with? Street use, no track at this time.

[Early_S_Man]

Tom,

The wrench may be right, but I would never make that suggestion unless I had disassembled the old master cylinder. He is making a 'prediction' about the condition of the master cylinder based upon the condition of the calipers ... which I assume were badly corroded/rusted and pitted!

Probably a safe bet ... but how was the brake system working before this visit to the wrench?

[trj911]

The brakes work fine. I do get a lock-up of the front R under very hard braking but other than that, they are in good, but worn condition.

[Jdub]

You can pull the wheel and mike the width of the rotor to determine the wear. Or, drag a fingernail across the rotor to determine how scored it is. For the MC, rebuild kits are available: Raybestos part number MK670 (non-Turbo).

Go with standard rotors and pads to keep costs down. Consider wheel bearings at this time. Very surprised your mech. didn't insist on new brake lines.

Your mech. will probably just core your old calipers and get a rebuilt set. You can rebuild those calipers yourself. Again, it is not very hard to do. Get some silver caliper paint to spiff up the

But my take? Do this yourself -- it just isn't that hard and you will save A LOT of money. There must be somebody on this board in the area who can lend a hand.

John

[IROC]

He says you need *new* front calipers? Why not simply rebuild them like everyone else does? And he's suggesting a new master cylinder just due to age?

He's either not telling you the whole story about the problems he's found, or he's simply seeing dollar signs.

I'd get a second opinion, if possible, or at least get him to explain exactly why you *need* these parts.

Mike