Top hat seal master cylinder

[Propshaft]

I have just completed a rebuild of the braking system and installed front disc brakes ,but foregot to remove the top hat seal . Is it possible to remove the seal without taking out the master cylinder . Keeping my fingers crossed

[philthehill]

Whilst I would not say that it is impossible it would be much easier with the cylinder out of the chassis leg.
The difficulty lies in getting the circlip out. Once that is removed the piston and seals can be drawn forward out of the master cylinder body and the top hat seal removed.
Using circlip pliers with right angle points would be of benefit.
Phil

[simmitc]

I would be concerned about contamination greeping into the cylinder if you tried to remove the seal in situ. It should not be that difficult to remove the cylinder.

[les]

I'd be concerned about that too but a decent piece of cardboard under the front of the cylinder would keep the area clear. Shame you forgot the seal but agree it's tempting to leave the cylinder in place, otherwise it's a messy job mucking about with brake pipes etc. Mind you not sure about the loss of fluid if you do it in situ.

[Propshaft]

Hi thanks for all your help , the chassis is spotless having only recently painted it so no problem with contamination , I have managed to get the circlip off with right angled circlip pliers and have just finished putting it back together , getting the circlip off is quite a fiddle but doable . Many thanks

[philthehill]

Well done.

[Nickol]

Whilst I am not quite sure what the "top hat seal " is - would it perhaps be possible to remove only one of the Holding bolts of the MC i.e the front one and thus be able to do the work in.situ?

[bmcecosse]

The brake pipes are the main problem -not the bolts..... Must have been a tricky job to get that seal out - well done !