Tandem master cylinder

[kenmorton]

Does it matter which port is connected to the front and rear brake cicuits on a split tandem master cylinder?

[steve_d]

I don't see why it would be different but logic would say front to front and may avoid confusion for the next mechanic who has to work on it.

Steve

[tvrski]

IMO the first cylinder you move has to be connected to the front

[GreenV8S]

On my V8S the front circuit is connected to the front outlet from the master cylinder - this uses a tandem master cylinder from a Sierra.

[lotisi]

No it doesn't, both cylinders are the same size and move the same amount of fluid.

[steve_d]

tvrski said:

IMO the first cylinder you move has to be connected to the front

I can't remember a master with separate pistons. I thought they consisted of one shaft with two sets of seals.
My problem is that these days I never change seals in a master cylinder as life is to precious to risk. The net result is that it is 10s of years since I took one apart.

Steve

[GreenV8S]

steve_d said:

I can't remember a master with separate pistons. I thought they consisted of one shaft with two sets of seals.
My problem is that these days I never change seals in a master cylinder as life is to precious to risk. The net result is that it is 10s of years since I took one apart.

Steve

I think this Ford setup has one piston integral to the pushrod that supplies the outlet nearer the pedal, and a separate floating piston that feeds the outlet further away from the pedal. Although they've got different effective areas, the fact that the 'front' piston is floating means it produces equal line pressure to the rear one. I think the main differences are likely to be the displacement (may not be identical) and the fact that the two pistons have different failure modes.