For 1990-2009 cars

The following conditions indicate substandard or contaminated fluid:

• | Swollen master cylinder cap diaphragm

• | Swollen wheel cylinder boots

• | Swollen caliper piston boots

Use the following tests in order to locate some master cylinder malfunctions.

1. Inspect for a cracked master cylinder casting.
2. Inspect for brake fluid around the master cylinder. A leak is present if there is at least one drop of fluid. A damp condition is not abnormal.
3. Inspect for binding pedal linkage.
4. If the pedal linkage and the pushrod length are correct, remove the master cylinder reservoir cap. Inspect for a distorted or swollen diaphragm.
5. If a swollen diaphragm is found, substandard or contaminated brake fluid is the probable cause. If the fluid if contaminated, use the following procedure:

5.1. | Disassemble and clean the serviceable components.

5.2. | Replace all of the rubber and non-serviceable components.

5.3. | Flush all of the brake pipes and brake hoses. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .