How do you remove the brake master cylinder from a 2CV? I've got down to the point where I'm trying to get the reservoir off the master cylinder, but I'm bothered that I might trash it if I apply brute force and ignorance rather than good technique.

Any advice gratefully received.

Gently push the reservoir from side to side, not too fare, at the same time pull upwards. It will eventually let go.
The MC slides backwards for removal.

OK. Thanks for that, Viking. So basically the reservoir is just held onto the master cylinder by virtue of a tight fit and rubber seals... and the mc slide back through the bulkhead attached to the foot pedals, right?

wee-wee

Smiffy,
the spigots on the reservoir are 'arrowheaded' in shape, so that they will resist being pulled out of the seals in the master cylinder.
I find that the easiest way to remove the reservoir is to roll it to one side, away from the brake pipes working best...

ken

OK. So I waggle it left and right and pull hard.

I'm an expert at that!

Done this job today as Ken says lean the reservoir over towards the drivers wing away from the pipes it will eventully pop out. Disconnect the two brake pipes from the mc then jump inside the car un hook the clutch and throttle cables and disconnect the two wires from brake light switch. Then get back out and undo the two 14mm nuts and bolts that hold the whole lot to the bulkhead. get back inside and ease the pedal box and mc inwards complete assembly.

To go a bit farther..... Once you have done whatever is necessary to the MC How does one get the reservoir back in place.? I have pushed, wiggled, tapped lightly since it's only plastic and the reservoir is still not seated properly. Are there different sizes to the rubber seals? Maybe mine are the wrong size. In any case my reservoir looks precarious. Any suggestions?

socarco,
have you lubricated the seals and the parts of the reservoir which engage in the seals, using the appropriate type of brake fluid?

Steady downward pressure with maybe some _small_ side to side movements usually does the trick.
I'd be wary of tapping the plastic, since it can become brittle with age.

ken