Early Mstr Cylinder Options

[jrsully]

Reading the recent threads about bad ATE M/C's. I am rebuilding the entire brake system on a 71T and at that point where I need to decide what to do as far as the M/C.?
1. Buy the new ATE M/C and hope for the best.?
2. rebuild my original (if possible).?
3. Any other options besides the ATE unit.?

It is a totally stock 19mm set up. Thx in advance

[Ferrino]

I don't think the recent ATE M/C thread is reason to believe every ATE single product is flawed. If that was the case, I think we'd be aware of it from the sheer volume of restoration work going on. There are many variables at play.

It has made me wonder though, as I am also replacing an original 1976 19mm M/C and have already picked up a new ATE unit (made in Czech Republic). I am planning to open it up to verify the condition of the bore/seals and will then bench-bleed before install. The 19mm units do have rebuild kits available, but this would be a "plan B" for me, as a core of this vintage is likely to be scored/damaged and require some machining or a re-sleeve for me to feel comfortable.

Another option is to pick up a NOS ATE unit - there was one from 1996 (made in Germany) on eBay recently. I decided to pass on that though, as I was not sure if the seals would be intact on something that has been sitting around for almost 20 years.

[Jack Stands]

In talking to a local Porsche restoration expert, it seems that he has been having troubles with the newer Ate master cylinders as well. Whether there is a manufacturing defect or material problem seems to be up in the air. Perhaps it would be best to simply rebuild the old ones (though liability issues come on board for shops doing this), or try to find NOS made in Germany ones. Aftermarket quality control seems to be more of an issue all the time (not just with Porsches), and it pays to support those folks that continue to sell the 'right stuff' ( when available)!

[jrsully]

It really is a quandary, I would hate to do the whole system then have to yank a "new" m/c because the quality sucks. Can anybody recommend a qualified rebuilder with a good success rate.? Much obliged

[drtyler]

The early master cylinders seem to be fine. It is the later one with vacuum booster that have had issues.

[Ferrino]

Originally Posted by drtyler

The early master cylinders seem to be fine. It is the later one with vacuum booster that have had issues.

Can you please elaborate on where that observation is coming from? Thanks.

[Targalid]

If you search on line as I did last year when I had a failed master cylinder you will find that the new ATE master cylinder is available for a bit more than $200. The ATE rebuild kit is available for a little more than $100 as I recall. It includes new pistons, cups, seals, clips and so on. I decided to purchase the new ATE replacement MC and installed it. So far, after a year, it is working fine with no problems other than the usual difficulties of changing out a MC. No leaks, no failure of any kind. The pedal is firm and everything is normal. I too have read that some have had problems but I have not.

[manbridge 74]

Flushing the fluid every two years to hopefully avoid making this choice....

[CountD]

Whatever you do, don't buy a URO. If you do, be prepared to suffer. Find a NOS Ate from Germany. They are out there. Beck/Arnley parts (Ate Germany) from old Bap-Geon shops have them sometimes. I found one, and it's at least 10 years old, and it's sweet.

[chrisbruck]

Mine's for an '87 vacuum assist and I'm on my 2nd "new" one and still not satisfied it's 100% good. I have a somewhat mushy pedal after thoroughly bleeding and checking / replacing everything else. Not real confidence inspiring and un-Porsche like. It has a 1 yr warranty so I'm tempted to pull it again and try another.

Big PITA.

[Howard M]

How can ATE tolerate this? Do they know? Someone should e-mail them. Their well-earned reputation is taking a hit here, and they may be unaware.