I'm replacing my clutch master cylinder in my 1996 ford escort and I have taken off the two 10mm nuts in the cab and inside on the firewall. It should come out by my directions but I can't get to budge at all. Can someone please tell me the most common cause for this problem and how to fix it or is there something I'm doing wrong.


Thank You

You have 2 nuts/bolts holding it in place. One is in the engine compartment and the other is under the dash. You have a hose with a clamp and you have a metal line that goes to the slave cylinder. Make sure all of this is disconnected and it should come out. I am not entirely sure if there is a push rod that goes to the clutch pedal on this one or not but double check that. If all of these are removed, a light tap on the master should pop it loose if it won't come out.

The fact that you say it won't budge makes me think that you might not have removed the correct nuts. Double check and you should be good to go.

Be sure to remove the push rod and both nuts going to the studs coming through the firewall. Access is often better if you remove the driver's seat. Use a flare nut wrench to remove the hydraulic connection. Before tightening the stud nuts, loosely install the master cylinder and attach the hydraulic line. This "wiggle room" will help prevent cross-threading the connector and having a bad day.

There is often a gasket between the master cylinder and the firewall. Things can take a set. Tapping on the master cylinder or studs with a small mallot should break it loose.

After you bleed the system, remember to adjust the pedal height. This is done by rotating the push-rod.