Brake master cylinder grommets, Brake line reservoir into master cylinder Options

[Mr.Vman]

The 1976 914 build continues, Question on the master cylinder lines from brake fluid reservoir. Do the hard lines from the reservoir just push into the rubber grommet on top of the master cylinder? I tried pushing the lines in, would not stay and leaked. Also, no click that I have read about. Are there washers that are installed before the flared end of the reservoir lines? Perhaps remove the rubber grommets from the master cylinder, install reservoir lines into grommets and then install assembly into master cylinder? What is the order the lines are pushed into the master cylinder? Where do the washers go? How deep do the hard lines fit into the grommets? Through the rubber grommet and into the master cylinder? Thanks in advance, stalled on this one. Steve

[mepstein]

The small metal spacers go into the mc, under the thick rubber grommets. The metal lines go into the grommets. It's a struggle but that's how it's done. Some people do it out of the car, on a bench but the normal way is on the car. Use some brake fluid to lube up the grommet. Swear and curse until the metal line pops in. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[fiacra]

The small metal spacers go into the mc, under the thick rubber grommets. The metal lines go into the grommets. It's a struggle but that's how it's done. Some people do it out of the car, on a bench but the normal way is on the car. Use some brake fluid to lube up the grommet. Swear and curse until the metal line pops in. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

100% agree. Not a fun job. I've done it all three ways and much easier to do if the MC is out of the car. However I wouldn't pull the MC to do it. I'd only do it that way if the MC is already out of the car. An extra grommet nearby is also not a bad idea in case one gets torn. Lubing the grommet with brake fluid is key to getting it to go in if you have already put them on the metal lines. The last time I did this I put the tubes in the grommet, lubed the grommet with brake fluid, put a flare wrench on top of the grommet and then used a large box wrench over the other end of the flare wrench to get some good leverage. That popped them right in without any cursing needed. As already pointed out there is a metal washer that sits under the grommet. Make sure it is properly seated in the recess before trying to put the grommets in. Then begins the fun of bleeding the system.

[Mr.Vman]

Thanks for the replies. Order of install; Metal washer goes into, Master cylinder. Next rubber grommet. Last reservoir supply line? Master cylinder comes with grommets installed, washers in bag. Remove grommets from Master Cylinder, install washers in Master Cylinder. Next, grommet and finally supply line? The supply line snaps into rubber grommet some how? Or install washer into Master cylinder, with grommet out of, Master Cylinder insert supply line into rubber grommet. Then grommet with supply line installed into Master Cylinder? How to use a flare wrench on the supply line to insert into grommet? I have been using pliers to push supply line into grommet. I ruined the pre installed grommets trying to push the supply lines into the rubber grommets. I installed the Master Cylinder in the car. Did not use the washers, where ever they go? Once again thanks for the help.

[mepstein]

Some mc’s come with the metal washers installed, some don’t. They 100% absolutely have to be used so pop out the rubber grommets and check for them.

[fiacra]

Thanks for the replies. Order of install; Metal washer goes into, Master cylinder. Next rubber grommet. Last reservoir supply line? Master cylinder comes with grommets installed, washers in bag. Remove grommets from Master Cylinder, install washers in Master Cylinder. Next, grommet and finally supply line? The supply line snaps into rubber grommet some how? Or install washer into Master cylinder, with grommet out of, Master Cylinder insert supply line into rubber grommet. Then grommet with supply line installed into Master Cylinder? How to use a flare wrench on the supply line to insert into grommet? I have been using pliers to push supply line into grommet. I ruined the pre installed grommets trying to push the supply lines into the rubber grommets. I installed the Master Cylinder in the car. Did not use the washers, where ever they go? Once again thanks for the help.

If your MC is out of your car I'd put the grommets and lines in first then install the MC. It's a ton easier, in my opinion. You do have to move (but not fully remove) the gas tank to feed the lines up, but that is pretty easy. So for me, assuming the MC is already out of the car, it's check to make sure washers are in and properly seated, put metal lines into grommets, install grommets, install MC, feed lines up and make connection with the reservoir. Don't forget the seals/rubber sleeves (part #111 957 861) where the lines go through the body above the MC. If the MC is already in my order of operations is put the washers, install metal lines into grommets, lube grommets with brake fluid, and then install grommets. I've already explained how I get them to pop in, but use whatever method you like. I've read a few different ways in other posts. Good luck!

Edit 7/4/25: corrected the part number for the seal where the brake lines go through the body

[Mr.Vman]

Removed Master cylinder grommets, no washers in the cavity. There were small washers included in a bag, now I know what to do. Curious manufacture would press rubber grommets in with no washers. So my problem was no washers in new, Master Cylinder. I think I will press reservoir lines into rubber grommets, install in Master Cylinder and then into car. Thanks for the help on this. Steve

[Literati914]

Removed Master cylinder grommets, no washers in the cavity. ..

Me too, I had to re-do the whole thing after a challenging install to say the least. This drives me crazy... they put in the grommets but not the required washers under it!! At least they gave you the washers (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

[mepstein]

Removed Master cylinder grommets, no washers in the cavity. There were small washers included in a bag, now I know what to do. Curious manufacture would press rubber grommets in with no washers. So my problem was no washers in new, Master Cylinder. I think I will press reservoir lines into rubber grommets, install in Master Cylinder and then into car. Thanks for the help on this. Steve

If you can get the lines in with the grommet already on, it will be a first.

[DennisV]

Don't forget the seals/rubber sleeves (part #311 971 911) where the lines go through the body above the MC.

Do you happen to have a photo of this part and its position installed on the car? I am having a hard time locating it. #14 in the parts catalog diagram with quantity X. NLA from Porsche.

I thought #15 (111 957 861) in the parts diagram was the boot for where the lines go through the body.

[fiacra]

Don't forget the seals/rubber sleeves (part #311 971 911) where the lines go through the body above the MC.

Do you happen to have a photo of this part and its position installed on the car? I am having a hard time locating it. #14 in the parts catalog diagram with quantity X. NLA from Porsche.

I thought #15 (111 957 861) in the parts diagram was the boot for where the lines go through the body.

@DennisV

You are correct. I had the wrong part number in my previous post. Edited it to put in the correct part number.

[DennisV]

You are correct. I had the wrong part number in my previous post. Edited it to put in the correct part number.

To avoid confusion or hard feelings, I wasn't trying to force an admission of error. I was really trying to figure out what #14 (311 971 911) looks like and where it goes.

[fiacra]

You are correct. I had the wrong part number in my previous post. Edited it to put in the correct part number.

To avoid confusion or hard feelings, I wasn't trying to force an admission of error. I was really trying to figure out what #14 (311 971 911) looks like and where it goes.

@DennisV

Confused is often my baseline. When someone points out an error I made I'm usually grateful rather than having my pride wounded, so thank you for seeing that. Never being able to admit your errors is a hard life to lead. Having the opportunity to correct an error, even a minor one, is priceless. In return, here's a link to a thread with pictures and hopefully all the information you need about the reservoir overflow tube. Looks like a simple readily available grommet will work just fine for the overflow tube penetration. A hardware store part rather than needing to get it from Porsche or one of our usual suppliers (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=336070

[VaccaRabite]

So I tried something new this week. I always do this task on the bench, not under the car. Popped the grommets out and put them on the lines. Then used a plastic trim spudger to work the grommets back into the master.

Usually I try to work the lines into the grommets while the grommets are in the master.

Zach