Brake master querie

[swampy42]

Just stripped down the brake master cylinder and replaced the rubbers/seals. It's all back together again now apparently as good as new. However, I was kind of expecting to be able to push the push rod assembly in and move the piston, even just a small amount, but that appears not to be the case. The piston would appear to be solid and not in the least bit interested in moving. Is that something that the brake fluid will lubricate or is it a re-strip job?
Thanks in advance.
Russ

[bmcecosse]

It should all have been assembled soaking in clean brake fluid - and yes it should move.......

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Put some fluid in and see if helps, if not strip back down and put some fluid round the new rubbers and re assemble, you should be able to bleed it a bit on the bench with your finger over the hole in the end to see if the piston stays in place.

[simmitc]

If just pushing the rod in by hand, then the spring can be quiet strong. Try bracing a suitable rod against a work bench and then pressing on the cylinder.

[swampy42]

brake fluid did the trick. many thanks.