TheSamba.com :: View topic - Brake reservoir-two chambers?

Tue Jun 10, 2014 12:12 pm

I have a 70 beetle. It looks like the reservoir has two separate chambers or sections. The front is filled properly, and the rear looks empty when looking from the front of the car. The brakes work properly, so I'm not sure what is going on. To my knowledge it's always looked like this.

Tue Jun 10, 2014 12:50 pm

It is called a dual circuit braking system. Your master cylinder has one piston for the front brakes and one piston for the back brakes. The front section of the brake fluid reservoir is for the front brakes the back section of the reservoir is for the back brakes. The reason for this is that if the braking system, say on one of the rear wheel cylinders it won't drain all of your brake fluid (and you will then have no brakes.)

Since the back section of your reservoir is empty you have a leak in the rear braking system. You need to get it fixed...

Tue Jun 10, 2014 12:54 pm

How do you fill it? When I fill the reservoir, nothin goes in the rear portion of the reservoir, even momentarily. No fluid on the floor.

Tue Jun 10, 2014 1:01 pm

Just keep dumping in fluid. Once the front setion fills completely it will start filling the rear chamber. If that doesnt work, hit it with an axe. :lol:

Tue Jun 10, 2014 1:09 pm

So it should be filled to the seam?

Tue Jun 10, 2014 1:21 pm

Tue Jun 10, 2014 2:03 pm

if you step on the brakes and one side starts draining then you should still be concerned.

Tue Jun 10, 2014 2:07 pm

I just filled it up. Nothing seems to be draining out when I use the brakes and I see no wetness anywhere as of yet. Is it possible that a numbskull only filled the front reservoir last time the takes were adjusted? I would think this would be noticeable quite quickly, at least with the lecel of fluid....

Tue Jun 10, 2014 2:07 pm

I just filled it up. Nothing seems to be draining out when I use the brakes and I see no wetness anywhere as of yet. Is it possible that a numbskull only filled the front reservoir last time the takes were adjusted? I would think this would be noticeable quite quickly, at least with the level of fluid....

Tue Jun 10, 2014 5:10 pm

Frodge wrote: I just filled it up. Nothing seems to be draining out when I use the brakes and I see no wetness anywhere as of yet. Is it possible that a numbskull only filled the front reservoir last time the takes were adjusted? I would think this would be noticeable quite quickly, at least with the level of fluid....

its possible. just drive it like that for a few days and keep an eye on it. if you notice the back half emptying out again, then you know you have a leak somewhere in the back.

Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:10 pm

also ensure that you have a brake test light. and that the warning system is functional.

Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:20 pm

.....and if your car doesn't stop, be suspect that there might possibly be something wrong and maybe you should go see a qualified mechanic before you drive into something and/or someone.

Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:47 pm

iowegian wrote: .....and if your car doesn't stop, be suspect that there might possibly be something wrong ...
:lol: :lol:
That is the funniest phrase I've read in a while. I know it was a serious statement, but seems funny reading just that line.