Brake Fluid Maintenance; Chapter 6 - Hydraulic Brakes - Cub Cadet 6X4 Shop Handbook

GENERAL INFORMATION
Service intent: If the master cylinder or brake caliper
fails under warrantable conditions, replace it as a com-
plete unit. Rebuild kits may eventually become avail-
able through Cub Cadet, but failures in the initial two
years of production will be serviced primarily with
replacement master cylinders or calipers.
Scope: This chapter covers the hydraulic service
brakes. The vehicle also has a cable operated parking
brake attached to the transfer case. The parking brake
is completely independent of the service brake, and it
is covered in the CVT and Transfer Case chapter of
this manual.

Brake fluid maintenance:

• Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning that it
absorbs water and holds it in suspension.
• Eventually, the fluid will absorb enough water
that the water will begin corroding components.
• DOT-3 or DOT-4 brake fluid should be flushed
and replaced every two years to prevent dam-
age to the master cylinder and the brake cali-
pers.
• Treating brake fluid as a periodic maintenance
item will dramatically extend the life of the brake
calipers.
The master cylinder is mounted near the base of the
structure that supports the steering column.
See Figure 6.1.
Left front
spring and
damper unit
Figure 6.1

CHAPTER 6 - HYDRAULIC BRAKES

Master cylinder
reservoir
173
Chapter 6 - Hydraulic Brakes
Checking the fluid: See Figure 6.2.
Lock tabs
Figure 6.2
NOTE: The reservoir is translucent, so the fluid
can be checked without removing the cover.
1. If it is necessary to add fluid, clean thoroughly
around the cover before removing it.
2. Rotate the cap until the lock tabs are at the 2:30
and 7:30 positions, as seen from the front of the
vehicle, then lift upward to remove it.
NOTE: Use only DOT-3 or DOT-4 fluid from a
sealed container.
CAUTION: It should not be necessary to add
fluid in the course of normal operation. If the
fluid level goes down, there is a leak that must
be identified and repaired before the vehicle is
used.
Notches