97 Wrangler Brake issues

[tomg]

Two weeks ago, I started noticing pressure changes in my brake pedal. Last week I lost all pressure and the brakes no longer work.

Had a friend check it out and pretty obvious, my master cylinder brake is bad. The part is about 125. He also tried bleeding the brake lines but could get any pressure to the back brakes. He said that was probably due to how rusted and corroded the lines are. So he was suggesting replacing all of the lines too.

Questions I had is how easy is it to put in the new master cylinder brake? and whats my best option on the brake lines? I found a preformed set of lines for $190 here http://www.jeep4x4center.com/stainless- ... e1043.html
But what would it be like installing them, and with a 4inch suspension lift should I look at extending them now, even though they have worked fine since June?


Any help will be appreciated!

[BadAssEddie]

Plug the master cylinder up with pipe plugs and press the brake pedal. It should sink to the floor if your master cylinder is bad. Idk what your friend did to diagnose that the MC was bad but you should make sure before it is replaced.

Your master cylinder has two reseviours, one for the front and one for the rear. This explains why you could have gotten the front lines bled and not the rear. I'm not sure why your friend would try and bleed the brakes if he thought the MC was bad though...

Is the brake warning light on? In my experience this happens with a failure like a busted line, I'm not positive that it would happen with just a bad MC?

It would not be intellectually difficult to change the MC and the lines, but it's not going to be "easy". You are probably going to fight with rusty/muddy lines, rusty bolts, etc. Use line wrenches lots of penetrant and try your best not to destroy any lines or components until you KNOW you wont need them.

P.S. If you are going to do a whole upgrade like that you might look into upgrading MC's, getting rear disc brakes, or at least put new pads, shoes and drum hardware on while you are at it.