There is only one shared reservoir for both systems. The reservoir needs
to gravity feed the brake master cylinder. Since the master cylinder is
up high the reservoir needs to be even higher.

There is a fluid level float switch on the reservoir, starting in 85
models. It is supposed to light the brake warning light when the fluid
gets too low.

Nothing wrong with checking the fluid now and then. Not that hard to do
once you get the hang of removing the bonnet. Since most owners seldom
if ever remove the bonnet they don't have much change of getting the
hang of it. Sometimes the metal retaining clips could do with a slight
tweak to make it easier.

Mark

Dave Mcneely wrote:
> Someone on here recently asked what the brake and clutch fluid reservoirs on the Vanagon are, and someone else replied reminding us all of the location of the brake fluid reservoir.
>
> Of course, for anyone who has ever owned any other vehicle, the location is truly odd.  As one who is compulsive about checking fluid levels, especially when preparing to depart for an extended drive, the location is quite inconvenient.  One might even say the location creates a safety hazard, as it makes it less likely that folks will check these fluids regularly.
>
> Of course, others might say that so long as their is no operational problem, then why check them.  But both these hydraulic systems can operate perfectly well while experiencing a slow leak.  Then one day they fail as the level drops further.
>
> Why are these tanks where they are?
>
> David McNeely
>