How to add brake fluid?

[Blowsand]

OK, this may sound stupid but had the situation yesterday while traveling and my brakes failed. I have a 1990 34ft Bounder on the Chevy chassis. I found the brake master cylinder under the driver seat floor board behind the front tire. Now my question. How in the world do you get to it to check the fluid? When my brakes failed yesterday the first thing I thought to check after I got stopped, was the fluid level. I tried several different ways but still couldn't reach it to remove the top. The only thing I could think of was removing the front tire but I couldn't do that. Anyone done this before and have some tricks? I'm about ready to cut a hole in the coach floor and make an access panel.

[ga traveler]

I have serviced hundreds of these. It is not difficult. Just turn the front wheels all the way to the side. Reach thru the cutout and pop off the top with a screwdriver. Use a small mirror and flashlight to see into the master cylinder.

[Steve N Sal]

Can't you turn the front wheel enough to gain access? They sure make things difficult at times. You may want to post the question over in the Fleetwood forum as well. You just might get a quicker response there with someone that was faced with the same problem.

[Cruzer]

Brake fluid wears out over time and is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture. That water turns to steam and compresses, causing brake failure when you need them the most. It's best to flush the system and replace with fresh fluid every 2-3 years. A vacuum type brake bleeder is a real time saver for that task.

[jfran304]

On our "03" Allegro Open Road on a Workhorse chassis I accessed the brake reservoir by removing the doghouse. I then used a funnel with a hose to add brake fluid.

Jon

[ArmyEOD]

Blowsand, ok where did the fluid go, it could be water in the system as stated above, but if you suspect a leak, look at your rear drums and see if you see any residue of fluid leaking out from between the drum and backing plate. It will be very noticable. If so It is most likley your brake cylinder seals have failed, they have rubber orings/bushing that keep them sealed. Also check your front calipers for any leakage, along with the master cylinder and hoses/piping. If you have no leakage, then you should or have the system blead/flush this will remove all the old fluid and replace it with new. If thats all you need a shop will most likly do it for under a 100.00. only takes about 20 min if the guy knows what he is doing. If it is the seals, I woulld recommend having them replaced. Again, not a hard job, but most shops want to stick it to you. The replacement cylinders should be around 50.00 per axle at napa, plus what ever the shop charges for labor. Just buy them and take them with you or the rebuild kits for around 20.00 should be a last resort to rebuild them, lot of pitting ect....

As for as your op, yes turn the wheel. Hope this helps you out.

George

[Blowsand]

Took the rig into my local brake specialist. They checked everything. The only thing the could find was that the brake fluid was a little dirty. Said that could have contributed to fluid boiling and losing pressure. Drained and flushed the system and everything is fine.