Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Is there a recommended interval when to rebuild it? I change the brake fluid every second year.
Tom

If maintained, you shouldn't have to rebuild it for many years to come if at all! Owners often let theirs go without any maintenance, then wonder why they fail but with maintenance they will last.

Agreeing with Don. If the car is in regular use with no prolonged layups and the fluid is changed every 2-5 years, you should expect the unit to perform without issues for many, many years.

My car is stored in a dry environment for 5 months during the winter. The dryness of the brake fluid is checked at least twice a year.
What kind of maintenance is required?
Tom

Tom, my situation was not much different from yours; here in New Jersey my car was usually laid up for the winter around the end of November and put back in service in April. I changed brake fluid (DOT 3 and later, DOT 4) every 3-5 years and in the 20 or so years of use after an initial rebuild, a second rebuild was never needed. The 1954 Patrician had the slide valve type unit (3A) and the 1956 Caribbean had the poppet valve type (3B).

The system should be flushed occasionally as it's also the hoses and wheel cylinders that need it. Every couple years should be sufficient.

Owen_Dyneto and PackardDon.
Thanks.
Tom