Checking Brake/Clutch Fluid

[cobra de capell]

Complete lame question, i'm a driver, not a builder...

Anyway, where is the brake fluid checked? The brake fluid light is on.

Also, all of a sudden the clutch is practically not working, very very difficult to get 4 speed in and out of gear, any gear - is this related in some way.

My brother normally works on my Cobra - he's not available right now.

I'm a little embarrassed that I don't know.

[ERA Chas]

With an avatar like that you'll always get help...
The reservoir is the fill for both the brakes and clutch and can be seen atop the drivers footbox in my photo. The line for the clutch is the upper connection on the bottle.
You must determine where the fluid went since the level got low-it's leaking at the masters, calipers, junction fittings or the clutch slave/master. Just adding fluid is not good because the clutch line probably pulled air. So the brakes and the clutch should both be bled. Good time to change to fresh fluid-every two seasons.

[patrickt]

They might also look like this. Again, over on the driver's side inside wall. There will be three of them, one for the clutch, one for the front brakes, and one for the rear brakes. They could be black, or silver, or something else I suppose.

[cobra de capell]

patrickt/ERA Chas

Thanks.

ERA Chas - ends up - I have one cylinder as pictures in your post. I'm amazed that this unit serves both the clutch and the brakes. Anyway, filled to up - brake light warning on the dash no longer lights up - I pumped the clutch - I can now readily shift into gear, so I'm good to go, except for the leak that caused this to happen.

I'd say, I need to have someone get it up on a rack and check out the entire system for the leak - sounds like one of those expensive tasks.

Thanks again.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by cobra de capell

... sounds like one of those expensive tasks.

NO! It is not expensive, nor is it difficult. The leak will not go away by itself, and it will leave a trail (they even make UV dye to put in brake fluid for ease of viewing under a black light). The leak has to be at the connection to the reservoir, at the brake or clutch master cylinders, at the clutch slave cylinder, or at the calipers themselves. Now if you had the three separate reservoirs, you'd know whether it was the clutch, front brakes or the rear brakes that were the source -- but this is not a tough job. Just look for a wet spot and you will have found it (check for drips on the garage floor too).

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by cobra de capell

patrickt/ERA Chas

Thanks.

ERA Chas - ends up - I have one cylinder as pictures in your post. I'm amazed that this unit serves both the clutch and the brakes. Anyway, filled to up - brake light warning on the dash no longer lights up - I pumped the clutch - I can now readily shift into gear, so I'm good to go, except for the leak that caused this to happen.

I'd say, I need to have someone get it up on a rack and check out the entire system for the leak - sounds like one of those expensive tasks.

Thanks again.

Remember, not just to fix the leak, but flush the fluid and bleed the air out. There's definitely air in there now. Not good to use either with air in the system.
Patrick's right, it's not hard. If you can't your brother surely can.

[tboneheller]

Brake fluid liked to "melt" the rubber hoses from the reservior to the master cylinders on mine (#505).

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by tboneheller

Brake fluid liked to "melt" the rubber hoses from the reservior to the master cylinders on mine (#505).

Yes, I had that problem early on too. Replaced them with hydraulic brake hose from a truck supply shop. Dry for many years.
Bob will probably source a new set for you if it happens again or happens to CDC.

[cobra de capell]

Thanks again for all the input - I'm on the case.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by cobra de capell

Thanks again for all the input - I'm on the case.

Let me play Karnak the Magnificent -- I See, I See, I See... a leaky clutch slave cylinder, which is found mounted on the driver's side of the transmission/bellhousing.

[cobra de capell]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Let me play Karnak the Magnificent -- I See, I See, I See... a leaky clutch slave cylinder, which is found mounted on the driver's side of the transmission/bellhousing.

Actually, I'm not on the case, but someone will be - on Monday.

Anyway, his only questions relate to 'PARTS' - in may not result in any parts, but if it does - are there parts and will be hard to get - is there a list of replacement parts related to this sort of issue?

Actually, over the years of ownership, not much has come up but when it does - replacement parts is always the issue - my Cobra was ERA factory built in the late 1980's so even the parts used at that time have changed in some areas.

So, if there is any input relating to replacement parts that I can pass on to my man depending on what he runs into - that input will be sincerely appreciated.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by cobra de capell

Anyway, his only questions relate to 'PARTS' - in may not result in any parts, but if it does - are there parts and will be hard to get - is there a list of replacement parts related to this sort of issue? .

No, replacement parts are not available; you'll just have to buy a new Cobra. Actually, you can download the manual for your specific car number from the ERA web site and it has a list of all the parts, with numbers, in the back.

[cobra de capell]

Thanks - all good input - I'll pass it no to the guy that will be working on it.

[Rick Parker]

Maybe there actually is no leak, do you have fluid on the gsarage floor? It may just be the wear of the brake pads and the necessary fluid filling the calipers as the pistons move closer to the rotors. I would suggest you have the brakes and clutch slave bled, and then refill again.