Master cylinder reservoir and hoses - replacement

[KevAndAndi]

Any advice on replacing the brake fluid reservoir and the two hoses that connect it to the master cylinder? My reservoir is literally crumbling on the outside. (Hoping it's not doing so on the inside.) The hoses that connect it to the master cylinder are also old, so I thought I would replace those, too. I have the parts. I also have a turkey baster to suck out the fluid. Now, I have to figure out how to go about it. I will take measures to protect the body paint, of course. Is there any risk that this procedure will end up causing air to get into the MC? FYI, I am going to follow this up with brake bleeding, perhaps even accompanied by installation of the Big Brake Kit on the front wheels.

[azruss]

I would also replace the fittings and seals at the MC itself. those plastic hose fittings can get very brittle as well. With some care, you should be able to pull this off without adding air to the system. If you replace the hose barbs at the MC, use a dropper to add brake fluid before you attach the hose.

[131]

Make sure the hose you use is compatible with brake fluid.

[KevAndAndi]

I would also replace the fittings and seals at the MC itself. those plastic hose fittings can get very brittle as well. With some care, you should be able to pull this off without adding air to the system. If you replace the hose barbs at the MC, use a dropper to add brake fluid before you attach the hose.

Thanks. I'm not certain which plastic fittings you refer to, but I'll take another look when I get home. I'm thinking one other thing I might do is clamp the bottom ends of the old hoses before I remove them, to minimize the fluid mess.

My MC looks like it might be original. It's pretty rusty, whatever that indicates, but I'd like to avoid replacing it unless it's absolutely necessary. I find the braking distance to be too long and the braking effort too great, so I'm planning to address matters starting with pads and rotors and going backwards from there. The only reason why I'm messing with the MC reservoir at all right now is because I'm afraid it may start crumbling inside.

[KevAndAndi]

Make sure the hose you use is compatible with brake fluid.

Yep, purchased from one of our trusted vendors!

[TX82FIAT]

If you have not purchased the hose yet look around for a VW shop. They will have the proper hose at the low price and cut it for you like the large auto parts stores. 7mm I think.

[wizard124]

This is how I would go about it:
1) Cut the bands crimping the old hose to the MC nipples. A Dremel cutting wheel works great or use a pair of wire cutters.
2) Crimp the hose with a small locking plier. Carefully work each hose loose. Drain into a plastic bag. Turkey baster still leaves too much fluid in lines. As each hose is drained, stuff the end back into the reservoir.
3) Remove old reservoir with hoses attached.
4) Clean and repaint bracket.
5) Assemble new hoses to new reservoir.
6) Mount reservoir, route hoses and cut to desired length, attach, clamp and fill.
7) Allow sufficient time for air to vent up into the reservoir, rather than pump brakes and draw air into MC.

Manual calls for DOT 3 fluid.

[KevAndAndi]

This is how I would go about it:
1) Cut the bands crimping the old hose to the MC nipples. A Dremel cutting wheel works great or use a pair of wire cutters.
2) Crimp the hose with a small locking plier. Carefully work each hose loose. Drain into a plastic bag. Turkey baster still leaves too much fluid in lines. As each hose is drained, stuff the end back into the reservoir.
3) Remove old reservoir with hoses attached.
4) Clean and repaint bracket.
5) Assemble new hoses to new reservoir.
6) Mount reservoir, route hoses and cut to desired length, attach, clamp and fill.
7) Allow sufficient time for air to vent up into the reservoir, rather than pump brakes and draw air into MC.

Manual calls for DOT 3 fluid.

Wiz, perfect - sounds sensible. I have the DOT 3 ready and waiting. Thanks!