Contamination Check

WARNING: If the swollen brake master cylinder gasket condition is present, all brake system rubber parts must be replaced. All components containing rubber parts must be overhauled or replaced. All brake tubes must be thoroughly flushed with brake fluid before the vehicle goes back into service. Contaminated and swollen parts can lead to brake failure.

NOTE: Brake fluid contaminated with a hydrocarbon/mineral based fluid (such as power steering or transmission fluid) can be detected by an obvious swelling of the master cylinder cap gasket.

INSPECTION
Blistering Or Swelling - indicates contamination of brake fluid by a petroleum-based solvent or oil. In that case, all rubber components in the brake hydraulic system must be inspected and replaced and the entire system must be flushed with clean brake fluid to prevent recontamination.

A Second Method - for testing for contamination is to put a sample of the fluid into a jar of water. The brake fluid which is water soluble, will dissolve and turn the water white. The oil will float on top of the water as a film.

COMPONENTS
Replace the following components:
^ Brake caliper seals.
^ All brake hoses.
^ Wheel cylinder seals.
^ Brake pressure control valves.
^ Brake master cylinder reservoir seals.
^ Brake master cylinder filler cap.
^ Brake master cylinder internal rubber seals.

REBUILDING/OVERHAUL
Some components can be rebuilt or overhauled. If there is no overhaul procedure the component must be replaced.

SERVICING
^ Replace all brake system rubber parts.
^ Overhaul components as allowed.

CAUTION: Do not use denatured alcohol for flushing the system or cleaning assemblies where alcohol could be trapped and cause eventual failure of rubber components in the system. Denatured alcohol is acceptable for cleaning parts, provided the parts are completely air-dried and coated with brake fluid before installation.

^ Thoroughly flush all lines with brake fluid before the vehicle goes back into service.