Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I'm getting ready to replace the brake light switch by installing the kit available from Pacific Northwest Packard's. I figure that I to count on bleeding the system after installing the switch. Looking at the glass bottle reservoir I don't see anyway to add fluid without unscrewing the glass bottle. Is that the correct way to add fluid or I'm I missing something?

Never had to bleed the system after changing hydraulic brake light switches on the 55/56 cars.

Can't help with the remote filler question.

Dave thanks for the input about not needing to bleed the system.

FYI: The car proved hard to start and it didn't matter much if it was cold or warm, but ran good once it was running. Therefore, I checked the carburetors thinking it might be a choke issue. Found that the accelerator pump (AP) on the rear carburetor didn't work (Guess it fell victim to ethanol poisoning). Got a new AC and installed it while the carburetor was on the engine. Problem solved.

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I believe for the most part that is correct. Keeping the jar full will allow the fluid to siphon down to the master as well as let you see when it needs more. IMO, that is probably the easier way.

If wanted and it is the stock Packard reservoir accessory, there is a short length of flexible tubing connecting the master cylinder cap to the copper line from the remote reservoir. You could disconnect the remote fill there and remove the master cap to do the bleeding the old way. With the mess of draining and then refilling the line from the remote reservoir it would probably be more trouble than unscrewing the jar.

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Howard thanks for your help. I was wondering is there some reason that Packard didn't have a port on top of the glass jar in the middle of the metal lid to add more break fluid?

I can only surmise that the area for a covered opening was small and might be hard to fill without dripping some on whatever was underneath. Maybe they just figured it was as easy to unscrew the jar.

Maybe I'm missing something as I can't figure out an easy way to unscrew the jar without removing the bracket.

The jar should just unscrew once the safety retainer strap is moved.

Does the strap pull forward and out of the slot at the front of the bracket to release the jar or is it like the retainer holding the hydraulic pump reservoir where it is fixed on the ends but the shape under the jar works like a spring and will give enough as it pushes to the side to clear the bottom.

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Howard, again thanks. I think my jar is slightly longer than the one in the picture as there is no slack in the spring strap for it to act like a spring. I bent the two ends on the top of the bracket down slightly. I was then able to force the tab over them to disconnect the spring.

Again, I want to thank Dave & Howard for their help. If I can make the time today or tomorrow I'll replace the switch. Hopefully, I can get by without bleeding the brakes. If it comes down to that I think it will only be necessary to do the front.