brake fluid problem

[Lateralus11]

Hello again,

So my brakes on my 84 eagle aren't that great, I'm pretty sure its that the fluid is low, I was looking through the manual and found the brake fluid section but I can't find where to put the brake fluid in the car.  It shows a can like thing that some guy is opening the top of it and checking the fluid level, then he's pouring the fluid into a small hose or tube with a funnel.  What tube is this?  

First of all, the can thing that I mentioned doesn't exist in my car, its just not there, the manual shows that its just to the top left of the master hydraulic cylinder held by a metal clasp but no such thing is in my car.  Second, I found two tubes that may be brake fluid related.  One has a plastic insert cap thing, that tube is 1/2 inch diameter, the other tube I see is 1/4 inch Outer diameter and is plugged by a simple flat head screw.  I couldn't find anything else.  

Lastly, connected to the master cylinder is a reseviour of what I believe to be brake fluid, when I open that up it has two compartments, one big one about half the size.  The big reseviour is darker; caramel colored, the smaller is cleaner looking and has a bluish tinge.  So that's my story sorry if it sounds ignorant and uninformed but I'm still both of those when it comes to cars, I'm learning slowly.  Thanks in advance for you help

Greg

[mudkicker715]

Sounds like you at first were looking at the master for a clutch.

What you lasttalked about with 2 compartments is your brake master cylinder.

[Lateralus11]

Awsome guys that really helps, clears everything up for me.  Yea the fluid is , can't see through it, I'll have to get someone to help me flush it out or maybe I'll try to figure it out.  Thanks a lot though

[EaglePilot]

Brake fluid (and correct coolant) should be replaced/changed every 5 years.

[Lateralus11]

Yea maybe I'll swing up to Canada Tire, oh wait, don't have a passport so I guess I'll take my chances at Autozone or what not

[Lethander]

Can also do what is known as a gravity bleed

park the car level, open the lid on the master, then open all the bleaders a hair till they start seeping fluid,  watch your fluid level under the hood and keep it topped off, if will  go down slow so you can  inspect the fluid coming out of each bleeder.. or any air bubbles , if there is air let the bubbles all seep out as you  refill the master.  then  lock down each bleeder , once all are tightened,  top off the master cyl and test the pedal out.. Was a way we used to do it in the shop when  we were always  do busy to do a traditional bleed, it takes a little longer but can be done solo.

[kral]

I know this is an old post but it was really helpful. While tooling around my brakes kinda went squishy.By the time the I got home the brake light was on, I popped opened the MC and it looked just the one above, I filled it up and 2 days later I found my leak, 1 more thing on the TO-DO-List. But on the bright side the "BRAKE" light works just great..
Great 2 be a noob

[derrickjh]

Hello all,

I have an 86 wagon with brakes of death (randomly fades to the floor, then next time stops on a dime)...what is the "smart answer" for getting the brake ratio equaled front and rear?
Is this weird thing on the side wall in my engine compartment really part of the break system?
Brake shop told me I am breaking 70% on the rear.

Thanks, Derrick

Eagle Up!

[Draekon]

So if the back tires lock up before the front, a good flush/bleed could fix the problem?

[derrickjh]

Thank you all, I will bleed all four corners for starters.
Fluid is full, does not appear to have any leaks.
How do I ,or do I need to adjust the proportioning valve?

Derrick