Disassembly Procedure

Fig 1: Identifying Brake Master Cylinder Components (Cross Sectional View)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Remove the brake master cylinder from the vehicle. Refer to Brake Master Cylinder Replacement .
Secure the mounting flange of the brake master cylinder in a bench vise so that the rear of the primary piston is accessible.
Clean the outside of the master cylinder reservoir on and around the reservoir cap prior to removing the cap and diaphragm.
Remove the reservoir cap and diaphragm from the reservoir.
Inspect the reservoir cap and diaphragm for the following conditions. If any of these conditions are present, replace the affected components.
- Cuts or cracks
- Nicks or deformation
Remove the master cylinder reservoir from the master cylinder. Refer to Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Replacement .
Using a smooth, round-ended tool, depress the primary piston (2) and remove the piston retainer.
Remove the primary piston assembly from the cylinder bore.
Plug the cylinder inlet ports and the rear outlet port. Apply low pressure, non-lubricated, filtered air into the front outlet port, in order the remove the secondary piston (1) with the primary (6) and secondary (5) seals, and the return spring.
Discard the primary piston assembly, the piston retainer, and the seals and seal retainer from the secondary piston.