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The Case Super M Series 2 and Its Hydraulic Brake System
The Case 580 Super M Series 2 backhoe loader is part of Case Construction’s long-standing 580 lineup, which has been a cornerstone of utility and earthmoving work since the 1960s. The Super M Series 2, introduced in the early 2000s, features Tier 2 emissions compliance, improved hydraulic performance, and enhanced operator comfort. With thousands of units sold across North America and Latin America, it remains a trusted machine for contractors, municipalities, and rental fleets.
One of the unique aspects of the Super M Series 2 is its brake system, which uses hydraulic fluid from the transmission reservoir rather than a dedicated brake fluid circuit. This design simplifies maintenance but requires careful attention when replacing components like brake lines and fittings.
Terminology Notes
A technician in Ontario reported breaking the flexible brake line at the rear axle fitting. The original fitting was straight, but the replacement part—number 218-5103—arrived as a 90-degree elbow. This raised questions about whether the original part had been substituted in the past or whether the parts catalog was misaligned with the actual configuration.
Further investigation revealed that the 580 Super M Series 1 used a straight fitting (part number 218-5053), while the Series 2 typically came with a 90-degree fitting. This discrepancy suggests that field substitutions may have occurred during previous repairs, and that parts catalogs may not always reflect these changes.
Anecdote from the Field
In Arkansas, a service technician recalled a similar case where a straight fitting had been installed on a Series 2 machine to simplify hose routing during a winter repair. When the machine returned for service years later, the parts lookup caused confusion due to the mismatch. The technician now keeps both fitting types in stock and uses a tubing bender to adapt the brake line as needed.
Brake Bleeding and Hydraulic Considerations
After replacing the brake line or fitting, the system must be bled to remove air. Unlike traditional brake systems that use DOT fluid, the Case Super M Series 2 uses hydraulic/transmission oil. Bleeding can be done manually or via gravity, depending on the location of the bleeder screw.
The bleeder is located on the rear axle near the parking brake lever, often covered by a rubber or plastic cap. Opening the bleeder allows air to escape, and in some cases, gravity bleeding is sufficient. However, for thorough purging, manual pumping may be required.
Recommended steps:
Repairing the rear brake line on a Case 580 Super M Series 2 requires attention to fitting geometry, hydraulic fluid compatibility, and proper bleeding procedures. While parts catalogs may list standard configurations, field substitutions and machine variations demand a flexible approach. With careful inspection and informed sourcing, technicians can restore brake function safely and efficiently. In hydraulic systems, precision isn’t just about pressure—it’s about knowing where the fluid flows and how to keep it moving.
The Case 580 Super M Series 2 backhoe loader is part of Case Construction’s long-standing 580 lineup, which has been a cornerstone of utility and earthmoving work since the 1960s. The Super M Series 2, introduced in the early 2000s, features Tier 2 emissions compliance, improved hydraulic performance, and enhanced operator comfort. With thousands of units sold across North America and Latin America, it remains a trusted machine for contractors, municipalities, and rental fleets.
One of the unique aspects of the Super M Series 2 is its brake system, which uses hydraulic fluid from the transmission reservoir rather than a dedicated brake fluid circuit. This design simplifies maintenance but requires careful attention when replacing components like brake lines and fittings.
Terminology Notes
- Flexible Brake Line: A hose that connects rigid brake tubing to moving components like the axle, allowing for articulation and vibration absorption.
- Axle Fitting: A threaded connector that joins the brake line to the rear axle housing, often shaped to accommodate space constraints.
- Bleeder Screw: A valve used to release trapped air from the brake system during servicing.
- Hyd/Trans Oil: Hydraulic/transmission fluid shared across multiple systems in Case backhoes, including brakes and loader hydraulics.
A technician in Ontario reported breaking the flexible brake line at the rear axle fitting. The original fitting was straight, but the replacement part—number 218-5103—arrived as a 90-degree elbow. This raised questions about whether the original part had been substituted in the past or whether the parts catalog was misaligned with the actual configuration.
Further investigation revealed that the 580 Super M Series 1 used a straight fitting (part number 218-5053), while the Series 2 typically came with a 90-degree fitting. This discrepancy suggests that field substitutions may have occurred during previous repairs, and that parts catalogs may not always reflect these changes.
Anecdote from the Field
In Arkansas, a service technician recalled a similar case where a straight fitting had been installed on a Series 2 machine to simplify hose routing during a winter repair. When the machine returned for service years later, the parts lookup caused confusion due to the mismatch. The technician now keeps both fitting types in stock and uses a tubing bender to adapt the brake line as needed.
Brake Bleeding and Hydraulic Considerations
After replacing the brake line or fitting, the system must be bled to remove air. Unlike traditional brake systems that use DOT fluid, the Case Super M Series 2 uses hydraulic/transmission oil. Bleeding can be done manually or via gravity, depending on the location of the bleeder screw.
The bleeder is located on the rear axle near the parking brake lever, often covered by a rubber or plastic cap. Opening the bleeder allows air to escape, and in some cases, gravity bleeding is sufficient. However, for thorough purging, manual pumping may be required.
Recommended steps:
- Locate the bleeder screw beside the park brake cable connection
- Remove the cap and open the screw slightly
- Allow fluid to flow until no bubbles appear
- Close the screw and top off the hydraulic reservoir
- Test brake pedal firmness before returning to service
- Inspect brake lines annually for wear, cracking, or abrasion
- Use OEM fittings when possible, but verify compatibility with existing routing
- Keep both straight and 90-degree fittings in inventory for field repairs
- Bleed brakes after any line replacement or fitting change
- Monitor hydraulic fluid levels and condition regularly
- Use the MyCNH online catalog to cross-reference part numbers
- Confirm machine serial number before ordering to avoid mismatches
- Consult with local Case or New Holland dealers for substitutions
- Consider aftermarket suppliers for hard-to-find fittings, but verify pressure ratings
- Document all part changes for future service reference
Repairing the rear brake line on a Case 580 Super M Series 2 requires attention to fitting geometry, hydraulic fluid compatibility, and proper bleeding procedures. While parts catalogs may list standard configurations, field substitutions and machine variations demand a flexible approach. With careful inspection and informed sourcing, technicians can restore brake function safely and efficiently. In hydraulic systems, precision isn’t just about pressure—it’s about knowing where the fluid flows and how to keep it moving.
