F53 brake master cylinder failure

[MetalGator]

The last couple of trips I have noticed that I had oily water under the front drivers side of my 2018 Miramar motorhome. The only time I didn't see a small puddle was when I didn't use the AC on one trip.

The motorhome is still under warranty (Ford) until June so I took it to a large Ford truck dealership that's nearby. I called today to get a status and the service rep said they were waiting on a part, some type of cylinder. I am assuming he was referring to the brake master cylinder as that is where I suspected the leak was coming from.

I think the condensation from running the AC was washing off some of the fluid that was leaking from the cylinder and that was what I was seeing as the puddle under the drivers side.

I only have a little over 11K miles on the motorhome. Is this type of failure common on the F53 chases? I haven't seen much mention of master cylinder failures on the F53 so I am hoping this is an isolated incident.

Burch

[MrWizard]

That's good news

[dodge_guy]

Ok. That makes sense. Yes the plastic they use today is t the best. And I’m sure they’re plastic welding process isn’t like it used to be either.
Glad they got it taken care of for you.

[MetalGator]

I got the motor home back from the Ford dealer yesterday. They had to replace the brake master cylinder at just over 11,000 miles. They said the tank was leaking at the seam. I guess the tank and cylinder are one piece as they replaced the whole unit. At least it failed while I still have a few months of warranty left. Didn't cost me anything.

[dodge_guy]

Still have the OE master cylinder in my 01 Explorer with 200k miles. But I flush he brake fluid often as did the original owner.

[JoeH]

While not and F52, I had the master cylinder fail on my 2015 F150 .

[Tim_Nowicki]

Gravity bleed was always the way to go for me. When you work alone you make things work. BUT with modern day vehicles I don't know if gravity bleed will still work.

[Lt46]

For me, my master cylinder failed 2 weeks ago. Internal leak, no fluid loss but pedal to floor with minimal braking action. This MC was the OEM and my moho is a 1997. Aside from working in a tight space, replacement was a breeze.

[johnhicks]

You might be able to see the level of the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir by putting a bright light behind it.

[johnhicks]

When a master cylinder has an external leak it'll leak between the cylinder and the hydroboost; that's why there's a weep hole there so if either leaks it won't contaminate the other.

The solution of course is to replace the master cylinder. Then I'd completely drain and refill the brake system since you'll be seriously bleeding it anyway.

It's a failure, no way normal wear and tear.

Spray everything with VHT rust converter or paint with ospho.

[jeeperdude10]

Has anyone done the 'gravity' method of brake fluid replacement? I am wondering if this may be do-able on my '16 F53.

[garyemunson]

Might as well flush the entire brake system while you are at it, Ford manual calls for every 2 years.

[wa8yxm]

No matter the location right left or center the good news is that magic word WARRANTY.. Glad it happened that way .. May the "Total bill $0.00" be with you.

[Chum_lee]

MetalGator wrote:

Chum lee wrote:
Only use the specified brake fluid if you need to top off. (see your owners manual or the reservoir on the MC)

Chum lee

I would think you would need some type of pump to fill the bin. The master cylinder is high up in the compartment and right under the dashboard. Barely enough room to take the cap off.

I will report back once I get the motorhome back and talk to the service writer. He did tell me this was covered by the Ford warranty.

Yes, it is tough to add brake fluid on the F53. You'll need some type of siphon or pump. A turkey baster (filled with brake fluid) with a flexible clear plastic hose on the end will work in a pinch. Or you could try using an old (empty and well cleaned) hand sanitizer bottle with pump. IMO, don't use the baster in the kitchen again unless you clean it really well, . . . . . . . and, . . . . . don't tell anyone else. Make sure the Ford Dealer tops the reservoir off with new fluid before you leave the shop.

Chum lee

[dodge_guy]

Not very common. On my 12 F53 Forest River Georgetown there is enough room to fill it with a small bottle of brake fluid. I just flushed my brake system last fall. I’m sure other manuf may have made it less easy to add fluid.