Arnage Hydraulic Reservoir

[gjlelec]

I was mooching about under the bonnet on my Arnage today, getting to know where everything is etc. On the passenger side, next to the windscreen washer reservoir is this hydraulic fluid unit, i believe it does the power steering and suspension (correct me if i'm wrong) Upon removing the cap, the reservoir was empty, i could see the gauze strainer inside. I rang the franchise dealer with the pics below and they stated unless the car flags up "low level" then the empty reservoir is nothing to worry about. My question is if you were topping this up , how would you know where full is ? Secondly, i dont like relying on a microswitch, if i filled just above the gauze internal filter ,would i be overfilling the system ?? Thanks for any input

[escort 1983]

You are correct it's for steering /suspension fluid. To check level without the engine running pump the brake pedal around 20 times until the pedal goes rock solid. Then remove the cap and the fluid should just be touching the gauges. If not just top up until you can just see it.
Regards Adam

[gjlelec]

Thanks Adam, excuse this if its a bonehead question but why does pumping the brake pedal have an effect on this resevoir if its for suspension and steering ?- thanks

[escort 1983]

Sorry should have explained, the system also does the power brake booster due to the fact the car doesn't have the conventional servo system. Hence the reason by pumping the brake extinguishes pressure left in the system

Edited by escort 1983 on Friday 16th June 19:01

[gjlelec]

Ah, that explains it, many thanks