Brake fluid capacity 1954

[David W.]

What is the fluid capacity of the hydraulic brake system on a 1954 Corvette? One quart? Two quarts?

[Cathy S.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

Buy a couple of quarts, bleed it well, and fill the master to 1 inch below the cap threads.

[David W.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

Thanks, Cathy...that was a real fast response.

[Chris S.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

not much - it doesnt hold much......

[David W.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

Thanks, Chris. Perhaps a quart will be enuff. Dave

[Terry M.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

I have never done a 1954 Corvette, but I have flushed brake fluid on dozens of cars and trucks (light duty trucks) and never needed more than a quart -- even for those with ABS. That said, I always have two quarts on hand just in case. Brake fluid, even DOT5, is inexpensive compared to the hassle of running out in the middle of the job. Oh, I used to be a Boy Scout and still remember what they taught me.

[David W.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

Thanks Terry...good info. And we Boy Scouts (Scouters) are always prepared!Dave

[Terry M.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

Thanks Terry...good info. And we Boy Scouts (Scouters) are always prepared!Dave

Yes we are.

BTW: I write the date of purchase on the brake fluid container. After 6 months I dispose of the unused fluid. The only fluid I keep longer is that in metal cans. My belief is that brake fluid in metal cans has a much longer shelf life than that in plastic containers. I buy my brake fluid from the FLAPS in the hopes it has spent less time in their inventory than it might at other PoP (Points of Purchase in this case). Since most folks leave brake fluid in service for the lifetime of the car, it is clear that my anal-ism is beyond necessity. I do feel better about it though, and am not ashamed to admit it. YMMV.

[David W.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

Good advice Terry...never thought about the plasic vs metal container issue. Also, I had to Google FLAPS to find what it means. A new acronym for me.

[Terry M.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

Good advice Terry...never thought about the plasic vs metal container issue. Also, I had to Google FLAPS to find what it means. A new acronym for me.

The really high end brake fluid the race car guys use comes in metal cans for a reason. Some time back I purchased some of the SAE papers about brake fluid and DOT 5 (silicone) fluid. The government (US Army) did some interesting research on the subject and those papers touched on the subject of quantity of water absorbed while the fluid was in inventory. They actually tested the fluid before they used it to maintain control in their tests. I suppose the military might keep brake fluid in inventory longer than we do, but it was a subject that caught my attention since it is so easily controlled for us hobbyists. In my youth all brake fluid came in metal containers, but modern economy has dictated plastic containers to the detriment of the quality of the product. IMO.

Sorry for the acronyms. I try to remember to explain the less common, or ones with several meanings. We use FLAPS so often here, I blasted right through it.

[Chris S.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

the system is real small
if you think about it
you have 3/4 of a circle - the master, lines and 4 wheels cylinders.
as your bleeding - the master doesnt hold alot so it is easy to run the master empty
Couple quarts of DOT 3
Metal cans - I havent seen in years
The big box stores - most I buy is in plastic containers just like oil quarts
even DOT 5 I have bought is in plastic

Start at wheel clyinder on the LF - then fo RF then RR then LR
When you are bubble free and have a good pedal you are done !

And pedal pusher and master cylinder filler is a helpful

[David W.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

Chris...Thanks for the additional info. It all makes sense. It's kinda amazing how much work a few ounces of a fluid can do Dave

[Terry M.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

the system is real small
if you think about it
you have 3/4 of a circle - the master, lines and 4 wheels cylinders.
as your bleeding - the master doesnt hold alot so it is easy to run the master empty
Couple quarts of DOT 3
Metal cans - I havent seen in years
The big box stores - most I buy is in plastic containers just like oil quarts
even DOT 5 I have bought is in plastic

Start at wheel clyinder on the LF - then fo RF then RR then LR
When you are bubble free and have a good pedal you are done !

And pedal pusher and master cylinder filler is a helpful

Chris,
Let me help you "see" some brake fluid in metal cans. I keep a supply of empty brake fluid containers on hand to demonstrate the different available fluids to my class. Class is now in session:

brake fluid 002.jpg

The STP can on the left is DOT 5 and is a historical artifact (there is a date in the 1960s on the can). The blue can on the right, GM part number 88958860, is available now at any GM parts counter that stocks fluids (not all do). If you own a C6 that is the fluid recommended in your owner's manual for the clutch system. Below is a link to available brake fluid from Tire Rack. You will note that the ATE brake fluid (top two offerings) comes in metal cans.

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/category.jsp?category=BrakeFluid

Until recently (last year or two) Motul brand brake fluid also came in metal cans. I was surprised to find upon searching that brand for this response that it no longer comes in metal cans.

I have recently seen gallon containers of brake fluid from NAPA in metal containers as well, but I could not find an example for this response. That is probably not a fair example anyway as few of us would find the need for a gallon of brake fluid. And the brake and clutch fluid used at Bowling Green comes in plastic totes with metal wire supports that are about a four foot cube. DOT 3 for the brakes and DOT 4 for the clutch.

[Philip P.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

The sequence that is in the manual(1958-60 Passenger Car) is longest to shortest line length, left rear , right rear, right front, left front.
These are single chamber master cylinders. I am not sure what difference it makes but I have always done it this way.
Phil

[Eric F.]

Re: Brake fluid capacity 1954

Philip, that's the process I learned and have seen in other service manuals as well. Since Chris does it in the reverse order I'm going to do some research because I trust his advice. I wonder if it really matters.Thanks, the last thing I needed was to spend time satisfying my curiosity; especially when there is a 54 in the garage waiting to be completed. :-)