I am trudging through the 100 hour on my C180B this week, and was topping off the brake reservoirs, when I had the thought that my method had evolved over the years. I take a length of 1/4” ID nylon tube and augment it with a length of 1/4” OD repurposed dowel, and use it to capture the reservoir cap after first loosening the cap a turn or two. This elegantly constructed device aids in both removal and installation. When I first started doing this years ago, half the time my too large fingers would drop the cap and hilarity would ensue as I tried to find it and recapture it. This method is also useful for other fasteners on occasion. I also use an oil can loaded with hydraulic fluid, a length of 3/32” nylon tubing and brass tube on the end to direct the fluid into the correct orifice (not illustrated). Perhaps someone will find this tip useful:

I always fill my brakes from the bottom up, using a small oil pump can & some 1/4" (?) clear tubing.



I don't even bother checking the level at annual time anymore--
I know it'll be down some so I just give each side a few pumps.
I figure whatever overflows at the master cylinder will serve as anti-corrosion treatment.

I've always refilled at the caliper bleed valve not at the top.

Different strokes. But don’t you take the cap off to check level? A major decrease will tip you off to a problem.

Good trick. I’ve dropped lots of those little plugs. I now use ones with a tiny hose barb on top. Easier to hold.

If you’ve never done it it’s educational to clean the master cylinder and change the lock o seal thingy. Mine had an impressive amount of crud in them.

jrc111 wrote:Different strokes. But don’t you take the cap off to check level? A major decrease will tip you off to a problem.

Absolutely, there is always more than one way to address an issue, your's is very creative.

Very nice!

When we bought our straight tail 172 the two master cylinder caps didn't match. One of them wasn't quite the right thread and did the job of keeping debris out and splashing brake fluid in, but wasn't "right". On one of the first annuals while cleaning up inside the belly I found the correct cap that matched the good one! Cleaned it up and now both match.

I use a white zip tie as a "dipstick". It lives in the toolbox alongside other special use tools with a mark for the top of the reservoir to make it easy to see the level.

“I use a white zip tie as a "dipstick"

Good idea!

I use a syringe with a long tip cut to the height I want, then overfill and suck it back out. Taking the pilot seat out makes access easier.