FLUID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE FLUID
CONTAMINATION
CAUTION: The hydraulic fluid used in automotive
brake systems is hygroscopic. This means that the
hydraulic fluid tends to absorb moisture from the
atmosphere over a period of time. As hydraulic
brake fluid absorbs moisture, it effects the function
of the vehicles hydraulic brake system. For this rea-
son the vehicles hydraulic brake fluid should be
drained and replaced using fresh clean hydraulic
brake fluid every two years. When replacing hydrau-
lic brake fluid use only MoparT brake fluid or an
equivalent from a sealed container. This vehicle
comes with, and the manufacturer recommends,
brake fluid conforming to DOT 4 specifications. If
DOT 4 brake fluid is not available, DOT 3 brake fluid
is fully compatible with DOT 4, and can be substi-
tuted in its absence. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
Indications of fluid contamination in the brake sys-
tem are swollen or deteriorated rubber parts.
Swollen rubber parts indicate the presence of
petroleum in the brake fluid.
To test for contamination, put small amount of
drained brake fluid in a clear glass jar. If the fluid sep-
arates into layers, there is mineral oil contamination.
If contaminated, drain and thoroughly flush the
system. Replace the master cylinder, proportioning
valve, caliper seals and all hoses.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL CHECKING
Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder
reservoir a minimum of twice a year.
The brake fluid reservoir is marked FULL and
ADD indicating the allowable brake fluid level range
in the reservoir (Fig. 32).
Although there is a range, the preferred level is at
the FULL mark. If necessary, adjust the brake fluid
to the Full mark on the side of the master cylinder
fluid reservoir using Mopart Brake & Clutch Fluid
DOT 4 Motor Vehicle from a sealed container. Do not
overfill the system. Use only brake fluid that has
been stored in a tightly-sealed container. This vehi-
cle comes with, and the manufacturer recom-
mends, brake fluid conforming to DOT 4
specifications. If DOT 4 brake fluid is not avail-
able, Mopart Brake Fluid DOT 3 Motor Vehicle
is fully compatible with DOT 4, and can be sub-
stituted in its absence. However, DOT 3 brake
fluid generally has a lower boiling point than
DOT 4, and is not recommended for high per-
formance applications.
CAUTION: DO NOT use brake fluid with a lower
boiling point. Brake failure can result during pro-
longed hard braking.
CAUTION: DO NOT use petroleum-based fluid
because seal damage in the brake system will
result.
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE FLUID
This vehicle comes with, and the manufacturer rec-
ommends, brake fluid conforming to DOT 4 specifica-
tions. Use Mopart Brake & Clutch Fluid DOT 4
Motor Vehicle from a tightly sealed container.
If DOT 4 brake fluid is not available, Mopart
Brake Fluid DOT 3 Motor Vehicle is fully compatible
with DOT 4, and can be substituted in its absence.
However, DOT 3 brake fluid generally has a lower
boiling point than DOT 4, and is not recommended
for high performance applications.
Any brake fluid used in this vehicle must conform
to a minimum DOT 3 specifications and SAE J1703
standards. No other types of brake fluid are recom-
mended or approved for usage in the vehicle brake
system.
Fig. 32 Master Cylinder And Booster
1 - MASTER CYLINDER
2 - MASTER CYLINDER MOUNTING NUT
3 - POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
ZB BRAKES - BASE 5 - 23
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