Master Cylinder Reservoir Seal Replacement

[Gladiator]

The cushion seals on my master cylinder are leaking, and I've ordered new ones from Miatamecca in the states. I have done a search and found this thread http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=53814&hilit=%2Abrake+master+cylinder+reservoir+seals%2A so that's a start, but my question is, does anyone know if it's possible to do this job without removing the master cylinder from the car? ie. Can the reservoir be removed from the master cylinder while still on the car?
Thanks

[Gladiator]

Bump, Can't anyone answer this question?

[93_Clubman]

Short answer: Don't know.

You've probably already done this, but just in case you haven't got access to the Rod's Enthusiast Shop Manual, it & the Haynes manual talk about master cylinder overhaul, & of course in this context, list removal amongst the steps. I haven't replaced those seals, but I recall the thread you linked to at the time as it was an uncommon problem on here at least.

Looking at the pics & diagrams in the manual I would have thought it possible. Haynes simply says: 'remove the reservoir retaining screw, pull off the reservoir & remove the grommets'. Rod's similarly says: remove the reservoir retaining screw, 'then remove it [reservoir] by pulling it out of the rubber seals in the body'. Sounds easy, but clearly OP in linked thread struggled. May be very carefully slice through grommet low between cylinder metal & grommet head while pulling reservoir away to try to ensure reservoir legs are clear of blade.