B-240-B Broce Broom Brake Master Cylinder - 1" Bore - Dual Bowl - Cast Iron - Manual Brakes - Replaces B-240-B

B-240-B Brake Master Cylinder for Broce Broom Sweepers — Manual Brakes

Your Broce Broom's brake pedal is going to the floor, the brakes feel spongy, or you're finding brake fluid pooling underneath the cab. The master cylinder is leaking internally or externally — and on a sweeper that operates in traffic, intersections, and active construction zones, brakes are not optional. The Broce dealer wants $159.75 for a replacement master cylinder. That's a steep markup on a standard cast iron brake component.

We sell the direct replacement for $109.00 — saving you over $50 vs the Broce dealer. This is the same specification master cylinder: 1-inch bore, dual bowl design, cast iron body, with the correct port thread sizes (9/16"-18 and 1/2"-20). It bolts directly into the firewall mounting location on your Broce Broom and connects to the existing brake lines with no modifications. Replaces Broce part number B-240-B.

⚠️ Important: Manual Brakes Only

This master cylinder is for Broce Broom sweepers equipped with manual (non-power assisted) brakes. If your sweeper has a power brake booster between the pedal and the master cylinder, this is NOT the correct part. Check behind the firewall — if there is a large round vacuum booster canister between the brake pedal pushrod and the master cylinder, you have power brakes and need a different master cylinder. If the brake pedal pushrod connects directly to the master cylinder with no booster, this is the correct part.

The Problem

Broce Broom sweepers use industrial-grade crate axles with standard drum brake systems. The brake master cylinder is the heart of the hydraulic brake system — it converts the force from your foot on the pedal into hydraulic pressure that actuates the wheel cylinders and brake shoes. When the master cylinder fails, you lose braking ability:

• Internal seal failure — pedal slowly sinks to the floor under sustained pressure
• External leaks — brake fluid dripping from the master cylinder body or fittings
• Spongy pedal feel — air enters the system through worn seals
• Complete brake loss — catastrophic internal bypass
• Low fluid warnings — reservoir empties from external leak

A failing master cylinder is a safety emergency on a sweeper. These machines operate on public roads, in parking lots, around pedestrians, and on active construction sites. The Broce dealer charges $159.75 for this part and may have a lead time of days or weeks. Your sweeper is parked until the brakes are fixed — and every day it sits is lost revenue.

The Solution

This is the same specification brake master cylinder used in the Broce Broom sweeper brake system. Same 1-inch bore diameter, same dual bowl (tandem) design for front/rear circuit separation, same cast iron construction, same port thread sizes. It bolts directly to the firewall mounting studs and the existing brake lines thread directly into the ports. Remove the old master cylinder, bench bleed the new one, bolt it on, connect the lines, bleed the system, and you have full braking power restored.

Specifications

• Broce OEM Part Number: B-240-B
• Type: Brake Master Cylinder — Manual (Non-Power)
• Bore Size: 1.00" (1 inch)
• Design: Dual Bowl (Tandem) — Separate Front/Rear Circuits
• Port Threads: 9/16"-18 and 1/2"-20
• Material: Cast Iron
• Includes: Master cylinder with reservoir and cap
• Condition: Brand New

Compatible Equipment

The B-240-B brake master cylinder fits Broce Broom sweepers equipped with manual (non-power) brake systems. Broce uses standard industrial crate axles (Ford-based) with drum brakes on their sweeper models. Verify Broce part number B-240-B in your parts manual or contact us with your sweeper model and serial number to confirm fitment.

• Broce Broom Sweepers — Models with manual brake systems
• Superior Broom Sweepers — Models using the same crate axle and brake configuration

⚠️ Verify that your sweeper uses manual brakes (no vacuum booster). If your sweeper has been retrofitted with power brakes, you need a different master cylinder. Contact us if you're unsure.

Installation Notes

• Bench bleed the new master cylinder BEFORE installation — this is critical. Clamp the master cylinder in a vise, install the bench bleed fittings (included or use short brake lines looped back into the reservoir), fill with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid, and slowly stroke the piston until no air bubbles appear
• Disconnect the battery (if equipped with electric start)
• Place rags under the existing master cylinder to catch brake fluid — it damages paint
• Disconnect the brake lines from the master cylinder ports — use a flare nut wrench to avoid rounding the fittings
• Cap or plug the open brake lines to prevent fluid loss and contamination
• Remove the mounting nuts/bolts securing the master cylinder to the firewall
• Slide the old master cylinder off the mounting studs
• Install the new (bench bled) master cylinder onto the mounting studs
• Install and torque the mounting nuts — do not overtighten
• Connect the brake lines to the correct ports (front circuit to front port, rear to rear)
• Fill the reservoir with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid
• Bleed the entire brake system — start at the wheel furthest from the master cylinder
• Check for leaks at all connections
• Pump the brake pedal — it should feel firm and hold pressure
• Test brakes at low speed before returning the sweeper to service

Symptoms of a Failing Brake Master Cylinder

• Brake pedal slowly sinks to the floor when holding steady pressure
• Spongy or soft brake pedal feel
• Brake pedal goes all the way to the floor with little or no braking
• Brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder body or around the pushrod boot
• Low brake fluid level in the reservoir (no visible external leak = internal bypass)
• Brakes feel different between front and rear (one circuit failing)
• Brake warning light on (if equipped)
• Having to pump the pedal multiple times to build pressure
• Contaminated brake fluid (dark, cloudy, or milky appearance)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have manual or power brakes?
Look behind the firewall on the driver's side. If there is a large round canister (vacuum booster) between the brake pedal and the master cylinder, you have power brakes. If the brake pedal pushrod connects directly to the back of the master cylinder with no booster, you have manual brakes. Most older Broce Broom sweepers use manual brakes.

Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing the master cylinder?
Yes — always. Bench bleed the new master cylinder first, then bleed the entire brake system at all four wheels after installation. Start at the wheel cylinder furthest from the master cylinder and work toward the closest. Any air in the system will cause a spongy pedal and reduced braking performance.

What type of brake fluid should I use?
DOT 3 brake fluid. Do NOT use DOT 5 (silicone) unless your entire system was originally designed for it. DOT 5 and DOT 3 are not compatible and mixing them will destroy the seals in the master cylinder and wheel cylinders.

Can I rebuild my existing master cylinder instead?
Rebuild kits exist but are not recommended for master cylinders with significant wear. If the bore is scored, pitted, or corroded, a rebuild kit will not seal properly and the master cylinder will fail again quickly. A new master cylinder is the safer, more reliable option — especially for a safety-critical braking component.