1989 Master Cylinder

[Vindic8or]

Am replacing the master cylinder on my 1989 SHO. Can't find a replacement from either Ford or aftermarket. According to Ford, the 1989 master cylinder is unique, installed only on that year.

Master cylinder is a Bendix unit. What makes it different from the 1990 and later master cylinders is that the unit has 4 brake line screw in holes that are ALL the same size. On the 1990 and later master cylinder, the drivers side front brake line hole is one size LARGER than the other three.

Anyone have an idea WHERE to get a replacement master cylinder that is CORRECT for my 1989 SHO?

Thanks.

Vindic8or

 

[rangerj]

Have you tried fordpartsonline.com, or Fordnetwork, etc.

Check with your local auto parts stores and see if a rebuild kit is available. If your cylinder bore is not badly scored or scratched it can be rebuilt. It is not like the old days where you could hone the bore, but you cannot do that to these cylinders. The bore is anodized and a hone could ruin the surface. If the bore is smooth and clean it can be rebuilt, per my 90 Ford/Helms manual.

The most common cause of master cylinder failure is the worn out "O" rings or "cups". In fact all you get in a kit is a set of front and rear cups and spring assemblies, with a new snap ring to hold it in the cylinder.

The cylinder should be a standard bore size, so a kit should be available. If the Helm manual gives directions for rebuilding a master cylinder, that tells me there is a kit available from Ford via Motorcraft parts.

As a last resort call Bendix and see if they know of a rebuilder, or a source of a new master cylinder. Can you use an adapter to hook up to the odd line connection? Was this Master cylinder used on any of the other Ford/Mercury products. A ford deal's parts department should be able to tell you what models used the part (by number), and what years it was used.

As a side note, for anyone else reading this discussion we are talking about a regular NON ABS Master Cylinder. You CANNOT REBUILD AN ABS MASTER CYLINDER (not without a whole lot of special tools and specialized equipment).

Please let us know what you find out. I want to follow this situation to the end if you do not mind. This is neat stuff!
rangerj

 

[nc89sho]

running into the same problem here... lots listed.. for about 60 dollars advance auto has a new bendix unit but one of the four fittings is the wrong size.

 

[nc89sho]

advance auto also has a bendix re-build kit for about $25.