Master brake cylinder KIA AVELLA

@user_187531

13.12.2020 21:55

Member

Are there any tricks to replacing a master cylinder on a 1999 Avella?

Started

13.12.20

Latest reply

17.11.25

Replies

Views

524

@Wasereave

15.12.2020 15:10

Member

Everything is like everyone else, there are no tricks.
@E.Smith

15.11.2025 16:14

Member

Yeah mate, bench bleeding before install saves you so much hassle later! Did mine last year and forgot this step – spent ages bleeding the whole system afterwards.
@CanaryWharf

15.11.2025 16:57

Member

@Wasereave I disagree actually. The tricky bit is accessing those mounting bolts behind the reservoir, super tight space on the Avella. Had to remove the air intake just to get a proper angle with the socket.
@c___brown

15.11.2025 17:24

Member

True about the bolts! I used a really short ratchet to get in there. Also pro tip – pump some fluid through before connecting the lines, gets most air out right away.
@L....

15.11.2025 17:54

Member

@c___brown +1 on that. My neighbour showed me that trick when I did mine in '03. Fill reservoir, let fluid drip from the ports for a minute, reconnects so much easier and pedal feels solid faster.
@a_harrison

15.11.2025 18:29

Member

Don't forget to check pedal free play after! Mine was binding slightly cause I adjusted it wrong initially, brakes got hot on motorway. Needs a tiny bit of slack.
@lucas.p

17.11.2025 10:47

Member

@CanaryWharf Exactement, had same issue with space. Removed strut bar too which helped loads. Whole job took me about 3 hours first time but would do it in half now knowing the access points.
@samuel_king

17.11.2025 12:14

Member

@lucas.p did you need to push brake cylinders back at the wheels? Saw that mentioned somewhere but wasn't sure if necessary for the Avella specifically.
@john_s

17.11.2025 15:42

Member

@samuel_king Not strictly necessary but it does help with bleeding afterwards. I've done it both ways, depends how patient you are really. The reverse bleed method works well.
@D. J.

17.11.2025 16:30

Member

@user_19791 One thing nobody mentioned – use DOT3 or whatever your cap says. Sounds obvious but mate of mine mixed fluids and had to flush everything, total nightmare. Check the reservoir cap first!
@PP.Williams

17.11.2025 18:12

Member

@a_harrison Good call on the pedal adjustment! Also make sure all rubber seals come out with old cylinder, sometimes they stick in there and you don't notice till you're putting new one in.