rear drum brake distribution block?

[MoparThunder]

I have rear drum brakes on my 68 Charger. There is a brake line block on top of the rear with a floating (?) cap on it, it spins on top of the block is the best way to describe it. Anyway, I noticed some drips under the rear and after taking a look found a good amount of fluid dripping down from the block and found that fluid had been blown back over the gas tank obviously when I last took it out. Why is that spinning cap on it? Is that a type of fail safe on it? I checked the brake fluid and it is still full in both compartments. The only thing I noticed was the front compartment is cloudy and the rear one is clear. Would that be some sort of water contamination? Although I'm not sure how it would get in there.

 

[69roadr]

that is a vent for the rear axle. maybe overfilled rear? the front reservoir in your m/c is for the rear brakes, and rear is for front brakes. in any case, i would flush the system

 

[MoparThunder]

I will take a look again but I don't think it is the rear axle vent. I haven't worked on the rear at all. I will post a pic later today. I will flush the brake system though. Not sure why it is cloudy. It wasn't when I got the car. I knew a car sitting for many years would pose issues.

 

[okiemopar]

That is your vent for the rear end, it is the only place they go on a 8 3/4

 

[miller]

The rotating cap bit on the vent, is simply a way to clear the vent. It's also the 'device' they choose to mount the brake line block to the housing. That's the only relation between the two.

 

[MoparThunder]

I understand now. I wonder why after taking it out on the road a few times it decides to start coming out. Although the last time was a 30 minute each way. The previous ones were only about 10 each way. I am going to check the rear fluid level and see if it is overfilled. If not I'm not sure what is going on.

 

[miller]

Yup.
Not usual, but sometimes that vent (basicly a hollow bolt) needs to be pulled, and cleaned. Trash or dirt can clog 'em. If it's leaking, might need to look at the copper seals for it. Should be one between the block and axle housing, one between housing and hex head on the vent.

 

[MoparThunder]

OK checked the level and it isn't overfilled or at least now it's not. Now I will move on to seeing if it is dirty and check the seals.

 

[miller]

Not positive on those seals. Cobwebs in the way of brain. If needed check a parts book, to know for sure.

You say it's brake fluid leaking? Might need to check the block itself, or the line fittings. Not sure on the lines at the rear, but most brake line fittings for Mopar are different than others. Look it up, and you'll see what I mean. (Learned the hard way.)
If the brake fluid to the rear is cloudy, probably a sign of water contanimation. Need to flush it.

 

[Coronet 14]

If your rear flex line looks like this. Your block is attached to the line. That vent cap pops off