Master Cylinder: Inspection
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 1999 Mercury Tracer, 1999 Mercury Mystique, 1999 Ford Escort, 1999 Ford Contour, and 1998 Mercury Tracer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Wash master cylinder body, bore and piston assemblies with denatured or isopropyl alcohol. Inspect master cylinder bore. If grooved or pitted, replace master cylinder assembly. Inspect piston assemblies and return springs. Replace primary piston if scored, worn, cracked or broken. If primary piston body is good, component kit is available. Replace secondary piston as an assembly if scored, worn, cracked or broken. Replace springs as necessary.
Wash master cylinder body, bore and piston assemblies with denatured or isopropyl alcohol. Inspect piston assemblies and return springs. Replace pistons if scored, worn, cracked or broken. Replace springs as necessary.