Citabria Brake Fluid

[darrell whitley]

I've noticed a very small brake fluid leak aft of the firewall on the left side of the A/C. Most pronounced after sitting for 2,3 days.. My question is where does the reservoir live. And where is it leaking from?? I notice it mainly on the strake on the bottom of the cowling??? Also is ATF fluid the same as MIL 5606??? It's a 2001 citabria..

 

[Ron86654]

First, you should have a Service Manual and a Parts Manual.
The reservoir is beneath the panel at the top center of the firewall with a T fitting at the bottom with a brake line going to the left and right brake cylinders at the rudder pedals. The reservoir is filled by loosening the nut in the center of the lid or pumping fluid up from the wheels. There is also a vent line running to the right that terminates behind the right gear.
There are a number of places where the system may leak, including; O ring at the lid of the reservoir, T fitting at the bottom of the reservoir, brake lines at the T fitting or at the Cylinders, the cylinders themselves, the lines from the cylinders to the parking brake assembly, the parking brake assembly under the floorboards or the lines from the parking brake assembly to the wheel brake assembly.
ATF and 5606 are not the same.

 

[Big Ed]

My first guess would be the top of the cylinder where the plunger exits.

 

[darrell whitley]

I have both Ron. And that reservoir was my first choice.. It doesn't seem to be as easy to get to. I don't remember seeing another one the last time I changed the oil. I didn't think that they were the same oil, so I ordered a quart from aircraft spruce.

 

[Big Ed]

I have both Ron. And that reservoir was my first choice.. It doesn't seem to be as easy to get to. I don't remember seeing another one the last time I changed the oil. I didn't think that they were the same oil, so I ordered a quart from aircraft spruce.

The reservoir is just to the left of the governor housing, 11 inches down from the top of the firewall. You should be able to get a clear look at it by removing your glare shield.