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What does this mean?? Found some fluid drips *pic*

rlwm211

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TMs (Technical Manuals) are the path to learning how to change wheel cylinders and also for packing the bearings while you have the drum off. I would suggest you adjust the brakes all the way around as well, but that is optional on your part.

You can download TMs for the M35A2 and A3 deuces at www.JATONKAM35s.com in the Deuce TM downloads area.

I would recommend downloading all of the manuals for your deuce as they are the Encyclopedia of knowledge for maintaining your deuce.

RL
 

Westech

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That does NOT look to be a wheel cylinder. If it was you would see dripping from the drum and not the axle boot. Looks to be like a bad axle seal and leaking boot or leaking flex brake line. Get the TM and read up on it and how to change it.
 

Westech

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Pull the hub it either gear oil or brake fuild. So your brakes don't work all the time?

Yeah I was going to say something but who cares.... Jump in a 14K truck and hit the road knowing you have a MAJOR problem..... Looks like another Flower shop is going to get killed...

You old SS timers will know what I am talking about.
 

hndrsonj

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Have someone stand on the brakes while you are looking at that cyl. Thats a pretty good leak should be obvious where its coming from.
 

Heavysteven

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If it's gear oil make sure you clean the axle vent.

Here is a great link....
Hub Flip

Let's hope he understands my question before anything bad happens. Love the flower shop joke....but I thought he hit the AC unit first.
 
Last edited:

shenkmen

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You can tell by the smell. Stick yer finger in the fluid and give it a whiff. :)

If you're unfamiliar with the different scents of auto fluids you should probably get some in person help.

Don't drive it. Fix it first. Get familiar with this stuff. Read the TM's.
 

emr

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Seems to me its only on the bottom, but it sure does looks like some kinda leak, ? this may be that special de icing fluid that one guy was wondering the 809 series might have :)......and u think your brakes only work sometimes, So I must ask what do U do when they dont, maybe the leak is on top then, ? there are a gaazzziiillliioonn threads on this, but hey whos counting, but really i am sorry I just could not resist, :)rofl
 

flyxpl

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not only do they smell different the gear lube has got to be thicker tan the brake fluid . Lift up that little meatal door thingy in the drivers floorboard and see if the master cylinder looks like it is low .
 

hndrsonj

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not only do they smell different the gear lube has got to be thicker tan the brake fluid . Lift up that little meatal door thingy in the drivers floorboard and see if the master cylinder looks like it is low .
I would say read the TM and do it right.
 

oddshot

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Jasper, Georgia
That does NOT look to be a wheel cylinder. If it was you would see dripping from the drum and not the axle boot. Looks to be like a bad axle seal and leaking boot or leaking flex brake line. Get the TM and read up on it and how to change it.
Gotta back up Westech on this one ...

From the appearance of the leak in the photo I am about 99.80 % certain that its brake fluid ...

... but the fluid is coming out of the wrong spot to be a wheel cylinder.


A wheel cylinder leak generally drips (pours) fluid straight down the brake backing plate ... and leaks out the BOTTOM ... between the backing plate and the brake drum ...

THIS leak seems to be relegated to just the BACK (outside) of the backing plate ... and just to ONE side of it.


oddshot
 

porkysplace

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aua These are one of the simplest brake and axel designs there is and people buy them and don't even know the difference between brake fluid and gear oil . How can they safely operate them on private trails let alone public roads ?
 

rlwm211

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The flexible rubber brake line arcs to the rear of the centerline of the axle and is directly over the wet spot on the tire. This has been mentioned previously in this thread.

If you value your truck, your life and the lives and property of others, check this out pronto!

Your master should be low if you are losing brake fluid and if the system is low on fluid it can lead to erractic braking and to total brake failure if you continue driving.

This is an easy repair and the parts are available from many M35 suppliers if it is the hose and it will likely be more difficult to obtain a supply of DOT5 Silicone Brake Fluid, or BFS (Brake Fluid-Silicone) that it will be to get the hose. You cannot mix DOT5 with anything else or else you will be replacing a lot more in terms of parts and brake fluid.

Hope this helps

RL
 

hndrsonj

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I had a rear hose leak. Thank god I found it while stationary. As I said previously, Get someone to stand on the brakes, you will find the leak.
 

LanceRobson

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Unless the metal brake line has developed a pinhole that would appear to be, as already suggested, a leaking flexible brake hose. They are pretty inexpensive and if one has gone the others may not be far behind.

You'll be bleeding the brakes anyway so for the time and money that you might spend replacing them one at a time, I'd recommend that you order all of the flex hoses and just get it over with.

Your truck has a single circuit brake system and any broken line will leave you with no brakes.

Just be aware that there are two different lengths of front brake lines for an M35A2 or similar truck. The short (and original line) was not long enough and when the wheels were at full deflection they had a terrific strain on the ends of the flexible part. Many of them broke over the years and the DOD ordered that all deuce front hoses be changed to the longer hose originally made for the 5 ton trucks whether they hoses were bad or not.

An awful lot of trucks did not get done.

Make darn sure that your supplier is shipping the longer 5 ton style front hose.

I seem to remember that the last time I did all the front and rear hoses on a deuce that TNJ Murray had all the correct hoses for less than $60. Sometimes the folks who answer the phone can't answer some of your questions. If that happens-ask for John.

Other dealers have the hoses, too.

Lance
 
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