Brake pedal adjustment rod question Options

[burlybryan]

I replaced the brake master cylinder yesterday (miserable, horrible job that requires 4 hands to get the evil grommets installed). I have to MC well seated and fully tightened to the firewall. When subsequently adjusting the pedal rod to the 1mm free play, I really had to adjust it forward. Almost to the point of running out of threads. Is this common with the 914Rubber non-easy install MC? I know everyones car is different, but this seemed a little excessive. Is this ok as along as its tightened down?

Thanks for any observations.

[burlybryan]

Thanks for the comments. I have fully bled the brakes (3 quarts through using a Motiv bleeder in addition to pedal pressing. Pedal is nice and firm, but I'm sure it will take a few more bleeding sessions after bubbles are shaken loose from driving. I didn't think of tapping on the pressure regulator...dang.

Pedal was adjusted after my first pass at bleeding, but good to know that it may need to be adjusted. I'll tinker with it. Pedal travel is pretty short and firm, so the brakes could very well be dragging as it's set. I still have the car up on jack stands and wheels off.

And yes, I was able to re-use my existing washers. They were in good condition and required a light cleaning to get some varnish off. One thing not mentioned by people in previous threads is that the washers need to seat in the bores. The originals were firmly fitted (but only required a little leverage to get out) and I could see there being problems trying to get the grommets in with the pipe fighting a loose washer. They were snuggly seated with a little pressure by a socket before I started the grommet battle.

Speaking of the grommets, I couldn't press on the lower shoulder with a wrench without slipping off. Pressing on the top of the grommet only deformed it. What eventually worked was to get one side in and then work the rest of it in by levering on it with an angled needle nose pliers. Brake fluid "lubrication" served to make everything slippery and difficult to hold!

No leaks so far, so fingers crossed!