Maverick Brake Reservoir Leak

Safety Note: The information in this article is not intended to be complete engineering information. You must consult with a properly licensed engineer before duplicating any of the modifications described within this atricle. This article descibes a change to my aeroplane that I found to resolve a problem with guidance and checking from an LAA engineer. 

When I got the Maverick the brake reservoir was leaking sticky red brake fluid on the floor. I was told many owners have this problem. 

It was fixed by replacing the separate shared reservoir with some motorbike reservoirs that actually attach to the brake cylinder.

Notice the brake cylinders are turned 90 degrees; so the reservoirs take little space.This is because there is not much space behind the pedals. 

 
Reservoir right

These were bought from Hong Kong. They are small and have a rubber lining that does not leak. If they were to spring a leak they are so cheap they can be replaced.

They do not attach without being tapped to the correct NPT thread first. An engineer can do this with the correct tool. 

Reservoir left

Since these were installed I have had no problems with leaks. 

This is an example of one for sale. It could be that this link will fail after some time.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203878932689

 

Picture of Old Leaking Reservoir

 

OldReservoir1