The master cylinder in your Dodge Stratus converts the force you apply to the brake pedal into pressure in the brake system. This master cylinder has two pistons inside the bore of the cylinder that supply pressure to the two halves of the brake system. Over time the seals that seal the pistons to the bore of the cylinder wear out and begin to leak. This requires a replacement master cylinder. The average person can replace this part in an afternoon with basic hand tools.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the air filter housing and the rubber duct that attaches it to the throttle body on the driver's side of the engine compartment with a screwdriver and a 10 mm socket and ratchet. Lift the housing up and lay it over to the left side of the engine compartment.
2Detach the two brake lines connected to the side of the master cylinder with a 1/2-inch and a 7/16-inch line wrench. Slip a rubber vacuum cap over the ends of the lines to prevent brake fluid from leaking onto the Dodge's paint job.
3Remove the two 15 mm nuts that attach the master cylinder to the power brake booster with a 15 mm socket, extension and a ratchet. Unplug the electrical connector for the fluid level sensor from the side of the master cylinder reservoir. Pull the master cylinder forward and then carefully out of the engine compartment. Avoid spilling brake fluid on the paint job. Immediately clean any spills off the paint with plenty of fresh water.
4Pour the fluid from the master cylinder reservoir into a drain pan. Transfer the reservoir to the new master cylinder by prying it off the old master cylinder with a large screwdriver and snapping it into place in the master cylinder. Secure the new master cylinder into a vise with the back of the cylinder facing towards you. Fill the reservoir with fresh brake fluid.
5Screw the plastic bleeding adapters, supplied with the new cylinder, into the brake line ports on the side of the cylinder. Slip the two plastic tubes, also supplied with the cylinder, onto the bleeder fittings and push the other end of the tubes into the fluid in the reservoir. Push the piston in the back of the cylinder all the way into the master cylinder with a large screwdriver then release it. Repeat this until the fluid flowing through the plastic tubes does not contain any air.
6Slide the new master cylinder onto the studs on the power brake booster and install the 15 mm nuts loosely. Screw the lines into the side of the master cylinder. Tighten the nuts and lines securely. Have a helper press on the brake pedal and hold it while you loosen and then tighten the front line fitting. Do this several times until the fluid coming out is free of air. Repeat for the rear line on the master cylinder.
7Reinstall the air filter box and rubber duct. Test-drive to verify the brake system functions properly.
