Brake Fluid Reservoir Question

[Scott in Houston]

I have a '02 C2 996.

I think the dealer over filled my brake fluid last time it was bled. At the DE, I had an issue with it coming out of the reservoir a little bit.

Sure enough, when the car was cool and I checked, it was past the "max" marker in the reservoir.

I just bought a baster to remove the excess fluid.

I removed the cap and the filter, and below that is this.... (see pic)

How do I get past this to get at the fluid? I was able to drain the fluid that comes in above this thing, but I can't get past it.

It looks like a flux capaciter! :) What is it really?

The way it's setup is there is this 3-armed dealy underneath and the reservoir itself is kind of holding it in place. You can see that the 3-armed thing sits underneath the plastic. That plastic is part of the reservoir, so I cannot see how it can be removed.

Without removing any of this stuff I was able to get the fluid down below the "Max" mark on the reservoir, but I'd like to get it a little farther lower.

[David (Va)]

It's not a Flux capacitor but is a Dilithium storage capsule:)

It's a filter, that pops right out. Put your finger in there (gloves are a good idea), and pull up

[Scott in Houston]

Hmm... it doesn't seem to be a seperate piece. Note that I have already removed 1 filter after removing the cap. Are there 2?

The first filter I removed has a mesh bottom w/ 3 spokes on it also.

[Loren]

That should be it Scott. The opening is still small and I use a clear plastic tube on the end of a syringe.

[David (Va)]

Oh, didn't know you removed the first filter. What I found that works best, is a 60cc syringe with a 14 gauge needle. (dull the needle) It can get through to all sides without any mess and doesn't bend like tubes do, if necessary during a flush you can get every last drop out of there. If you don't have any medical friends let me know, or try a feed and grain store.

[Tool Pants]

That is the float for the level sensor. Remove the black plastic cover around the reservoir and you will see an electrical connector.

If you are using a 'bug' Motive type pressure bleeder I open the RR screw when the pressure is on but the Motive tank is empty. This will empty the reservoir like you are trying to do. Stop when the brake fluid level is just below the sensor. No Motive - get your wife to pump the pedal while you watch the level and turn the bleed screw on and off. Jeff

[Palting 996 C4S]

My 0.2c's. Go with Jeff's way. A lot easier to bleed the brakes than it is to dismantle or poke the reservoir.

[Scott in Houston]

I don't have a bleeder yet, and I'm just trying to lower the level, so I will probably go the syringe route.

Thanks for the offer David. I'll just use one of the needles that my friends and I share at parties.

(POOR TASTE I know, but those jokes are just too easy) :)

[KarlS]

If you are using a 'bug' Motive type pressure bleeder I open the RR screw when the pressure is on but the Motive tank is empty.  This will empty the reservoir like you are trying to do. Jeff

Jeff,

I have a Motive bleeder. What is the RR screw?

TIA,

Karl

[Loren]

I think Jeff means open the right rear bleed screw...

[Palting 996 C4S]

I don't have a bleeder yet...............

Get one. If you do DE's with any sort of regularity, it's a must have.

[KarlS]

I think Jeff means open the right rear bleed screw...

Thanks, now I get it, I thought there was some piece I was missing on my Motive PB. When I am doing a fluid replacement (as opposed to a bleed), I use the left front (closest) bleed screw to drain the reservoir down before refilling it (and the Motive) with new fluid. Not only does it drain a little quicker but you can eyeball the reservoir while you're draining. You can't see the reservoir from the right rear.

After I fill with the new fluid, I do the normal flush process starting with the right rear first.

Karl

[testdrv321]

How come I didn't get a Dilithium storage capsule with my 2003? I got scammed!

Dear Porsche, please promptly forward (1) Dilithium storage capsule to me. Thanks.

Seriously, was this only in 02's or should my car have had one? I would have removed it anyway, but just curious.