brake/ clutch fluid

[delval2011]

Im cleaning up my engine bay, i wanted to know has anyone every experimented with combining the brake reservoir and the clutch reservoir. Would it even work?

 

[DSM1G90]

Don't even think on turning your setup into a Mazda ... there is a reason why the two are separate systems.

What happens if your slave cylinder leaks and you got a shared system ... goodbye brakes also.

Leave the setup alone.

-DSM

 

[Corse]

Don't even think on turning your setup into a Mazda ... there is a reason why the two are separate systems.

What happens if your slave cylinder leaks and you got a shared system ... goodbye brakes also.

Leave the setup alone.

-DSM

Actually, as long as the entryway for the clutch setup was up higher in the reservoir than where the brake reservoir was, it would be fine. A lot of manufacturers have the reservoir setup so they do share the same reservoir, but they put where the tube leading off to the clutch higher in the reservoir, so that if it does leak, you still have enough fluid for the brakes. You just wouldn't have hydraulics for clutch.

I've seen also in a few ford setups where there are small cups in the reservoir for each line so that if it goes empty you don't lose brakes.

As long as you do it in a manner that you have some sort of fail safe so there is always room to leave fluid for the brakes like that I don't see why it would be a bad idea.

 

[dsmrebel084]

Exactly if you want to do something like that look into some old MG's(classic British cars). Those cars have that kind of system and can give you an idea how to make it work.

 

[DSM1G90]

Well, if you like the idea of bleeding both systems to do either service areas, go for it.

Sounds like asking for trouble to me to share a reservoir for both hydraulic systems.

 

[tangar1991]

that actually sounds like a cool plan, i would like to find a broader answer for O.P.'s post, ill do a little bit of research and talk around with some people. if i get positive info i might just do this myself.

 

[Corse]

Well, if you like the idea of bleeding both systems to do either service areas, go for it.

Sounds like asking for trouble to me to share a reservoir for both hydraulic systems.

Actually one really nice benefit is that if you prefer to use something like a pressure bleeder, you can hook it up to one reservoir and do your brakes and clutch all in one go and be done. Fill fluid, pump to 5-10psi, bleed system, done deal.

I do see your point, however. In some systems they had it so the clutch system was fed near the bottom of the reservoir. In that case if the clutch system had issues and leaked, yes, you would experience fluid loss and then eventually no brakes. Obviously that's bad.

To fix that the manufacturers raise the feed nipple up higher. Again so if it does leak, you end up with a reservoir half full or so. A 944 is a good example. It shares a reservoir for the clutch and brakes, the feed nipple is about halfway up the reservoir. If a leaky hose or something goes wrong or you blow the slave cyl (which is common on those cars with age since obviously 20+ year old hydraulics don't last forever) then you still have enough in the reservoir with the brakes and no worries. You've just got a mess elsewhere.

I personally liked the way ford did it on some of theirs with the little cups. My only beef with that is that if you want to remove the reservoir and clean it to get any crap out, it tends to get stuck in the little cups because you can barely reach them.

 

[DSM1G90]

I personally liked the way ford did it on some of theirs with the little cups. My only beef with that is that if you want to remove the reservoir and clean it to get any crap out, it tends to get stuck in the little cups because you can barely reach them.

.. and that's FORD ....

Kinda reminds me of one of their older slogans, "FORD has the better idea!" .. did they?

 

[Corse]

.. and that's FORD ....

Kinda reminds me of one of their older slogans, "FORD has the better idea!" .. did they?

Was using it as an example and nothing more. There are far more manufacturers that use the design. I always try to keep an open mind when it comes to discussing things and don't get hung up on brand name when it comes to engineering. There are good ideas that are successful and good ideas that can use improving... then there are horrible ideas that cause things to crash and burn.



My point is that it's nothing new and there are many designs out there using the design, and as long as he is to make sure he uses a reservoir that has some sort of failsafe from keeping the reservoir from going empty then I don't see why there would be harm in doing so. If you'd like to discuss differences of pros and cons of the design I'm all ears, but I think burning on brand names is quite a waste of time just because a name is tied to an engineering idea.

 

[2slow4now]

This isn't a terrible idea at all. If multiple engineers across the industry have utilized the design before then for daily driving I don't see why it would be a problem. It did pass safety standards. If it was a track car I don't know if I would want the heat from my brakes getting transferred to my clutch system.
You may be able to get just a reservoir and plumb it up and be done.

 

[delval2011]

thanks guys for the info, i think im going to go with a reservoir from an audi or bmw. They look like they would fit the best.

 

[2slow4now]

If you do it get some pics.
I had an idea to put the reservoirs under the cowl and then all you would have is the master cylinders and some hoses going through the firewall. The only thing checking and changing fluid would be a pain to do. You could make an access door of some sort to make it easier.

 

[joshcarp81]

kudos to you if you try it but isnt it pointless if both masters are still there?
all you would be eliminating is the clutch reservoir which isnt that big not something that grabs my eye and says "must remove"
but to each his own and good luck to you on making it work.

 

[jtmcinder]

You guys who are ragging on cars with shared clutch and brake reservoirs should take a peek under the hood of an Evo X GSR at some point.

Just sayin'.

 

[delval2011]

2slow4now, i was thinking the same thing. just haven't had time to look under it to see how much room i got.

 

[2slow4now]

2slow4now, i was thinking the same thing. just haven't had time to look under it to see how much room i got.

Great minds think alike.
I think making an easy to open access that looked clean might be the hard thing to do. Got any ideas?