Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 182

5 - 1 0 MASTER CYLINDER
Bfl
The cylinder body code letters are etched into the
front end of the cylinder (Fig. 2). The reservoir code
letters are on an adhesive backed tag attached to the
front face of the reservoir (Fig. 2). I.D.
Code letters are as follows:
© 1/2 ton (model 1500) code letters are NK
• 3/4 ton (model 2500) code letters are NL
• 1 ton (model 3500) code letters are NP
RESERVOIR
CYLINDER
BODY
CODE
LETTER
TAG
CODE
LETTERS
J9405-21
trig. 2 Identification Code Locations For Cylinder
Body And Reservoir
RECOMMENDED BRAKE FLUID
Recommended brake fluid for all BR models is Mo­
par brake fluid, or an equivalent meeting SAE stan­
dard J1703 and Federal standard DOT 3. Do not use
any other type of fluid.
CAUTION: Use recommended brake fluid when add­
ing fluid or refilling the system. Use clean, fresh
brake fluid from a sealed container only. Never use
reclaimed fluid, fluid not meeting the SAE/DOT
standards, fluid marked 70R1, or fluid from a con­
tainer that has been left open for any length of time.
Using non-recommended fluid can result in brake
failure after hard, prolonged braking.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
Correct fluid level is to the top of the oval indicator
window on the side of the reservoir (Figs. 3, 4 and 5).
An acceptable level is between the top of the indica­
tor window and the MIN mark.
The hydraulic system should be checked for
leaks, or the brakeshoes for excessive wear, if
fluid level is very near the MIN level.
Always clean the master cylinder reservoir and
cover before removing the cover to add fluid. If this is
not done, dirt from the cover or reservoir could enter
the fluid.
Add fluid to the correct level if necessary. Note that
fluid level in the reservoirs will decrease slightly in
proportion to lining wear. This is a normal condition.
If fluid is needed, use Mopar brake fluid or an equiv­
alent meeting SAE standard J1703 and Federal stan­
dard DOT 3.
Check the cover diaphragm seal and replace it if
torn or distorted. Snap the seal into place before in­
stalling the cover.
CAUTION: Verify that the diaphragm seal is firmly
seated in the reservoir cover. If the seal is improp­
erly seated, it will shift out of position when the
cover is installed resulting in fluid leakage and
eventual contamination.
INDICATOR
WINDOW
CORRECT
FLUID LEVEL
(TO TOP OF
WINDOW)
J9405-22
Fig. 3 Reservoir And Fluid Level Indicator
(Model 1500)
BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION
Oil in the fluid will cause brake system rubber
seals to soften and swell. The seals may also become
porous and deteriorate in short time.
If fluid contamination is suspected, drain off a sam­
ple from the master cylinder. A suction gun or similar
device can be used for this purpose.
Empty the drained fluid into a glass container.
Contaminants in the fluid will cause the fluid to turn
milky, or separate into distinct layers. If contamina­
tion has occurred, the system rubber seals, hoses and
cups must be replaced. The system must also be thor­
oughly flushed with clean brake fluid.