Norton or triumph back master cylinder fitted ??

The yaki

The yaki

VIP MEMBER
Joined
Feb 7, 2020
Messages
120
Country flag
I remember fitting a stainless back master cylinder 15-20 years ago possibly. After completing a complete refurb of the back caliper and renewing brake pipe and hose I have a working brake again ! Oh and yes , a leak ! Coming from the master cylinder but not the piston. Suspect reservoir to body ? Can anyone identify ? Thanks, Roy.
Norton or triumph back master cylinder fitted ??
 
Yes, it's Norton although the actual master cylinder is the same for both. Yes it could be leaking from the reservoir to master cylinder joint (where there is an O-ring).
 
I would try just tightening the nut in the reservoir a little. If the o-ring is still flexible that may fix it.
 
I will give that a go but will change it if it's available. Many thanks, Roy.
 
The yaki said:
I will give that a go but will change it if it's available. Many thanks, Roy.
Click to expand...

Is the reservoir fitted correctly? In your picture it looks as if it could be angled backwards instead of forwards (as below) or I could just be seeing things?
Norton or triumph back master cylinder fitted ??
 
No, it does face backwards. I fitted it as supplied. It has worked perfectly till now (5 year dry stored due to operation) but now being given complete going over ! I have to assume that it came wrongly assembled . As it has worked okay it should therefore be a simple matter of turning it round when fitting the new washer ? Or as often the case other problems arrive ?? Well noticed. As an after market product , and it worked, I had no clue! Reservoir off today !! Many thanks, Roy.
 
This master cylinder seems to be correct. Have checked several girling/ap lockhead units for sale.I am also dubious it has room to turn round. Roy. Altec automotive, ALT/WW27483-1-82 .
 

Attachments

  • Norton or triumph back master cylinder fitted ??
    20240622_142029.jpg
    253.7 KB · Views: 47
I have now looked at all new ones for sale that came up on Google. All point backwards? Only original ( non stainless) seem to point forwards! Change in design I assume. Will leave as bought for now as it works well. Thanks anyway, Roy.
 
I will still stick with mine which works far better than the original . I will also use electronic ignition, a mikuni single carb, synthetic oil, new style tyres, stainless fastenings, solid state rectifier, uprated alternator and led lights but to name a few . Or live in the past I suppose. Each to there own. I've never been a rivet counter. What about ethanol ? Ignore it ? Hmmm. Roy.
 
The yaki said:
I have now looked at all new ones for sale that came up on Google. All point backwards? Only original ( non stainless) seem to point forwards! Change in design I assume. Will leave as bought for now as it works well. Thanks anyway, Roy.
Click to expand...
If you are sold the current Genuine Girling complete version for Norton, you get:

1719085189946.png
If this is wrong, let me know and I'll talk to them about it. AFAIK, it can be installed either way and they may simply be confusing the direction as this appears correct for Triumph front master cylinders. Most likely the others are using the Girling cylinder and reservoir and making their own mount and doing their own assembly. The cylinder and reservoir have been available since at least 2013 - long before Wassell bought the name and AFAIK, they are the same cylinder.

The instructions that come with the Norton rear version say this:

1719086820348.png


Also, at least on the front, it's a simple matter to mount the reservoir in either direction for a Triumph.

Finally, other than looks, I don't think it makes any difference in operation of the rear.
 
marshg246 said:
Finally, other than looks, I don't think it makes any difference in operation of the rear.
Click to expand...

Other than the forward lean of the reservoir compensates for the tilt of the master cylinder which does not sit horizontal.

Norton or triumph back master cylinder fitted ??
 
L.A.B. said:
Other than the forward lean of the reservoir compensates for the tilt of the master cylinder which does not sit horizontal.
Click to expand...
Yes, and I would turn it around. Since he has used it backwards for a long time if I understand correctly, it will work. I suspect that it has little "head space" which is not ideal. Thanks for the picture - I don't have a MK3 right now - I'll use it to try to get them in installed them correctly from Girling (Lucas/Wassell).
 
It has worked very well. There is no room to turn it round as is, check photo of mine . However, I've never split the mounting bracket from the cylinder. Held in by a grubscrew ?? Could the barrel be moved 5mm or so back in in the mounting bracket?? Not a problem to surmount for the manufactures I assume ? Or not, as is possible ? Thanks, Roy. P.S I probably purchased it it around 09-11 ish ?
 
Last edited:
Read the servicing instructions for the master cylinder. Says it only applies to pre 1977 cylinders. As mine is around 2010-2014, stainless steel should it apply ? Thanks, Roy.
 
The yaki said:
Read the servicing instructions for the master cylinder. Says it only applies to pre 1977 cylinders.
Click to expand...

As far as I'm aware the change (to a non-serviceable master cylinder) never happened, if it did then I've not seen one, even if it had then that shouldn't have affected any of the dimensions.
 
Well then , if it is manufactured to the original specs , the reservoir would indeed point forwards. It doesn't. If the reservoir can't be turned round as is the original specs and dimensions, it can't, then in 20 to 30 years perhaps something has changed ? Most things have. I will investigate and modify if necessary. I may also use classic hydraulic synthetic brake fluid as it is not hygroscopic and works very well. Also can't find supplies of lockhead 329s fluid ! I'm going to just experiment. Thanks to all , Roy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Tornado
Bleedin' MKIII Rear
Replies
12
Views
278
Torontonian
Torontonian
Bilko
Mk3 Rear brake Problems
2 3
Replies
50
Views
2,300
2WheelsUp
2WheelsUp
Bonzo
Rolled the K100RS out of the garage today - first time in about 2 years!
Replies
6
Views
224
daveforty
D
J
Wassell front master cylinder for Norton
Replies
8
Views
1,037
kommando
kommando
B
Can anyone identify this M/C sleeve kit?
2
Replies
33
Views
2,373
CH53MechWest
CH53MechWest
Back
Top