Brake issues on a M35A2 - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

Treeman1962 · 04-06-2009, 12:39

Hello everyone I just joined this site as I have just become a proud owner of a 1982 AM General M35A2. How ever it has no brakes by this I mean it seems to need fluid but I do not know how to add fluid to the resevoir. I know it is air over hydraulic so it must be a special way to add fluid and I guess it is a silicone fluid that needs to be added. The pedal goes to the floor. It only has 7,ooo miles on it and it is in great shape other than the brakes. Any help would be really appreciated. I also was wondering where I could get a manual on this machine. I have a buddy who is way more mechanically inclined than I am and I can use a copmuter a bit better than he can so I am elected to ask the questions. I am still trying to figure out this site as to where and how to ask questions so any help on that would be nice also. I am not sure if this will even get read and how iIwould find a reply if one is sent.

Thanks

Treeman1962

gimpyrobb · 04-06-2009, 12:41

The trap door to your master cyl is under your feet on the driver's side floor. see my sig line for manuals, they are here on our site. A quick search should find alot of info.

gimpyrobb · 04-06-2009, 12:42

Oh yeah, the -20 and -30 are good too. Welcome to the site.

clinto · 04-06-2009, 12:42

Hello treeman! Welcome to the site!

First, all the manuals are available here, in a couple of places on the site, for free. You can find a list of them here, as well as a nice write up on the M35 series that will help to initiate you:

Deuce - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

Once you download the operator's manual, read it cover to cover and familiarize yourself with the vehicle. The OM will get you started on the simple stuff and the heavier, more in depth technical manuals will get you taken care on the heavier repair/maintenance stuff.

Post some pics of your truck!

nk14zp · 04-06-2009, 12:46

Go to the top of the page under resources go to the TM page.You want 9-2320-209-10 ones for operator manuals.Then the 9-2320-209-20 to start with.Hope this helps

Warthog · 04-06-2009, 12:50

Welcome Treeman.

Check out the Search button at the top of the page. It will become your best friend. Almost every question you will have has been asked before. Also under the Resources button there are countless Technical Manuals for just about any MV (Military Vehicle) you can think of.

Click on this link for the Wiki post about Deuces.
Deuce - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite.
Down load the Tech Manuals (TM) and read, read, read.

Back to your brakes. Because MVs sit for long periods of time the brakes sometimes leak down. There is a trap door infront of the drives seat. Open this door to access the Master Cylinder. Almost all MVs have been converted to DOT5 brake fluid. You can find this at most auto suppy stores. Top off the master cylinder and bleed the Air Pak. This will sovle the majority of you brake issues. The TMs cover how to bleed the system , M/C, Air Pak and wheel cylinders.

Warthog

wsucougarx · 04-06-2009, 12:53

This wouldn't happen to be the fire service truck from Shelton, WA would it?

Treeman1962 · 04-06-2009, 12:58

Yes it is I bought both of them one has the brakes locked up and one has no brakes at the pedal. How did you know? Any history on these machines? I am amazed at how quick the response is and what a small world it is.

Thanks

wsucougarx · 04-06-2009, 13:03

I went out to preview those trucks and noticed they had the pics switched on them. Maintenance on those trucks were non-existent there. The fire chief did say someone put a non-compatible brake fluid in the system that rotted out all the seals and plugged the brake lines. I didn't get in there to really check it out. If I were you, I'd go down to the auto store and get at least a gallon or two of DOT 5 brake fluid and just bleed the braking system. Bleed the airpack first then go to the farthermost wheel cylinder and then work your way closer to the master cylinder.
Mike

wsucougarx · 04-06-2009, 13:04

It was funny, when I went out there they told me that the winched truck absolutely would not start. They said it hadnt been started in 5-10 years. well, I took that as a challenge. I got in there and tried to turn her over to no avail, I then bled the fuel lines and after 5 minutes, she ran like a charm. The fire guy looked at me like "uh oh, we're getting rid of a perfectly running truck". Did you get that nice rodent nest cleared out of the driver seat?