Recently discovered an unattached hose near my brake fluid reservoir. Apparently someone broke of the nipple,where the vent hose attaches, and sealed it with a screw. Can anyone tell me what function the vent performs??? Is it necessary.

Bob,

The vent is useful if a condition exists that would cause the reservoir to overflow. This can happen, for example, where brake pads are being swapped, and pistons are manually pushed into the calipers. Or if you forget to clip shut the overflow line and start to bleed the brakes, it can overflow onto the floor <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Bob,

My vent line nipple was broken when I purchased the car. I replaced the reservoir (about $45); it was an easy procedure. If you do it, I also suggest inspecting the blue braided hose to the MC, the rubber grommets and the hose clamps and replacing as needed. I found the clamps were missing, probably because it's a tight fit behind the reservoir.

Here's a pic:

<a href="http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/1511220/1054574121937_newMCreservoirshowingclampsDCP02030.JPG" target="_blank">http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/1511220/1054574121937_newMCreservoirshowingclampsDCP02030.JPG</a>

Thanks Guys,

I appreciate the input and will replace the reservoir. I guess the previous owner just plugged it with a screw and forgot about it.