The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Shop Area Driveline '59 Fleetside Brake Questions

I located the brake plug in the cab on floor through grommet. The plastic lid on the reservoir won't budge. Any tricks to loosen the cap up? I'd prefer not to destroy it. Does it take the usual brake fluid? My brakes went to the floor in the driveway and I figure the fluid is gone. Will I need to bleed the brakes after filling if air got in lines?
Thanks.

I'm not familiar with the cap on your '59 master cylinder, the one on my '55 is metal and a 7/8? socket fits it. Some times you can use a punch and hammer to get the cap turning. If the brake fluid leaked out of the master cyl, then it is definatly bad and needs replaced/rebuilt. Check the fittings and lines for leakage also. And if the cylinder is empty it will need to be bled when you fill it up.

I don't think that is plastic, I think it is hard rubber over metal. I used silicone spray on mine to limber it up. You can probably push it up from underneath if you go nice and easy.

I found a $20 kit to rebuild my master cylinder and they also sell kits to rebuild the wheel cylinders. I used DOT3 Brake fluid (bleed the old fluid out, after a while it holds moisture)

The factory cap would be metal, usually with a 3/4" square head on it, though I have seen a few with a hex head. The plastic one is an aftermarket replacement. It should have 2 tabs on it, like a wingnut, to allow for getting ahold of it for install/removal. You may have to resort to the punch and hammer method to get it loose. Replacement caps (plastic) are available from the parts stores, though you will have to order it.
DOT 3 is the correct fluid. I would suggest filling the system, bleed it, then check for leaks. If the fluid is indeed low, you most likely have a leak somewhere, possibly the master or wheel cylinders if you do not see anything obvious.