68 drum brake master cylinder leaking

[bknbronco]

I bought a master cyl years ago and just the other day installed it and bled the brakes. A few days later i notice a bit of fluid leaking out the rear inside the tub. I pulled the master out to prevent more fluid from getting inside the tub.

Why did a brand new master cylinder leak? Did i bleed the brakes wrong? Did i maybe step on the pedal too hard when there wasnt fluid in the resevor and wreck a seal?Is it worth it to take it apart and check if a seal isnt on correctly?

A new master is only 45 bucks but is there a chance a seal isnt on correctly? I have read alot of threads about the covers leaking and am not sure a new one is any better than the other new (and leaking) one i got!

 

[Apogee]

You stroked the master cylinder without fluid in it? That can definitely be hard on the seals, especially if they've been sitting for a long time since the brake fluid used to lubricate the seals during installation is probably no longer on the seals.

It's possible that the MC had an issue out of the box, it happens both with new and remanufactured units, but it would seem to be a moot point now unless it has a lifetime guarantee or something from one of the auto parts stores.

It wouldn't hurt to pull the piston assemblies and inspect the bore. If you can get a seal kit for it, they don't usually cost that much. Otherwise, you're stuck replacing it.