Which of the following steps must be done when replacing a master cylinder?

Prepare for the Automotive Service Technician Period 1 exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The essential idea is to set the master cylinder so its piston starts in the correct position when the pedal is at rest. Measuring push rod height and clearance ensures the push rod contacts the master cylinder plunger at the proper point, giving the correct pedal height and ensuring the piston moves the right amount when you press the brake. If the push rod length is off, the pedal may sit too high or too low, or the system may not develop the proper hydraulic pressure, leading to poor braking feel or unintended braking.

While bench bleeding is a good practice to remove air from a new master cylinder, the required setup step highlighted here is accurately measuring and adjusting push rod height/clearance to match the vehicle’s specification. Torqueing bolts beyond spec can damage threads or mounting points, and ignoring push rod height would neglect a critical adjustment that affects brake operation.