Symptoms
A sinking pedal, fluid around the master cylinder or booster, and pulsing or noisy front brakes.
The fix, step by step
- Bench-bleed the new master cylinder, swap it in and bleed the whole system with DOT 3.
- While you're there, replace the front pads and rotors, inspect the rear drums and wheel cylinders, and fit extended lines if the truck is lifted.
Tools & part numbers
- Flare-nut wrenches
- bench-bleed kit
- brake bleeder
- C-clamp
Where to buy the parts
Master cylinder, 1986–89 SamuraiTrail Tough ↗Amazon ↗
Semi-metallic front brake padsTrail Tough ↗Amazon ↗
Front brake rotorTrail Tough ↗Amazon ↗
Extended front brake lines (lifted trucks)Trail Tough ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Suzuki SJ / Samurai parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.