Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I have looked in both the owner's manual and service manual for my '52 Packard 200 Deluxe, and cannot find any description of how you gain access to the master cylinder to check the brake fluid level.

Do you literally have to put the car on a hoist, or can you get to the inspection / fill cap on the master cylinder from the interior carpet area. I see no remote reservioir under the hood.

Jim G

If it's power brakes it's lean over the fender until you just about fall in to unscrew the cap. If standard, pull back the carpet away from door and seat and there should be an inspection cover screwed on just ahead of front seat and inside jamb toward the center of car a few inches

On my '54 the manual Master Cylinder is mounted on the frame rail just on the forward of the firewall (almost right under the parking brake assembly). Actually the Ultramatic shift linkage on my car connects to one of the bolts holding the Master cylinder in place. (not sure if that is only on the GearStarts)

Probably the easiest way to get to it would be from underneath. Currently I have all the front sheet metal off my car, so that makes it very easy.

On my 53 with manual brakes, the master cyl is on the frame rail just in front of the firewall. I have to reach all the way down over the fender and fresh air duct to get down there. The cap unscrews with a pretty big wrench. Be careful you don't touch both contacts on the brake light switch with your wrench when opening the mc. That brake electrical circuit is hot all the time.
Happy stopping.
Tobs

Ok, my Packard has manual brakes, and I'm hearing from all the above that there may be two different setups: one with the master cylinder accessible from under the hood, and the other with it accessible via an inspection cover under the carpet.

I will check mine later today to see which it is, but I hope it's the underhood location, because my floor carpet appears to be fastened (glued?) down alongside the driver door! :)

Jim G

Tobs and Big Kev are correct in the master cylinder location. I have obviously gotten my cars mixed up. Apologies to any I misled.

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Thank-you!

Note the fact that the masterclyindr material is apparently ALUMINUM. Interesting. Is that to improvew its corrosion resistance? (I know aluminum resists oxidation by AIR and WATER a lot better than steel, but brake fluid too???)

Jim G