Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2020 14:49:43 -0400
Reply-To: Robert Clemmer <n51219@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Robert Clemmer <n51219@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: FW: Brake reservoir
In-Reply-To: <CY4PR0801MB37313928FF727AACBB862A06A06A0@CY4PR0801MB3731.namprd08.prod.outlook.com>
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With all this discussion about brake fluid, what is the proper way to dispose of brake fluid?
BobC
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Haynes
Sent: Friday, July 03, 2020 10:34 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Brake reservoir
Looks like I didn’t put the fluid on the bill. Ravenol DOT 5.1.
There is an arrow on the left side of the reservoir indication the fill line.
Dennis
From: ddbjorkman@verizon.net <ddbjorkman@verizon.net>
Sent: Friday, July 3, 2020 8:52 AM
To: d23haynes57@hotmail.com; ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Brake reservoir
Thanks Dennis. I was wondering if anyone got my post. I wondered if there was a fill line I couldn't see. Topping off has been what I have done in the past. How about any way to check brake fluid that's been in it's container for a year or so. BTW, which DOT fluid was used when you last worked on the system?
Dave B.
Also BTW, Dennis located and fixed significant errors done on a bearing and brake job done on my vehicle just prior to my bring my Westie to him for transaxle work, which turned into suspension work, which probably saved us a few times on our 3 month trip out to the Grand Circle of NP's and lots more around them.
-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com<mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com>>
To: ddbjorkman@verizon.net<mailto:ddbjorkman@verizon.net> <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET<mailto:ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>>; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>>
Sent: Thu, Jul 2, 2020 7:03 pm
Subject: RE: Brake reservoir
Brake fluid is something that should be checked regularly. As the front pads wear and the pistons move out the fluid level will drop. If the system is kept topped off it is very important that during brake service the bleeders are opened as the pistons get pushed back or the fluid will get pushed up and over flow the reservoir.
As the fluid is inside the vehicle is does not get contaminated that easily although it is an open vent design. Some set ups use a diaphragm to keep air off the fluid and allow for the level to change as needed. Still it is a good idea to purge and replace the fluid every 2-3 years. If nothing else frequently opening the bleeders will help prevent them freezing in place.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com<mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>> On Behalf Of ddbjorkman@verizon.net<mailto:ddbjorkman@verizon.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 2, 2020 10:42 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Brake reservoir
Switching out a broken antenna. Fine time to check brake fluid. I noticed my brake reservoir was not filled to the top. Should it be? Brake work done last year. My brake fluid is somewhat old, how do I make sure it has not absorbed moisture etc. while sitting?
Dave B.