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hydraulic fluid and brake fluid for Alle AMI6-8

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Brake fluid reservoir with locking cap, for the brake system LHM. Suitable for Citroen 2CV6 with

front disk brake system. The reservoir is green dyed and has a white cap. The connection on the master brake cylinder is from center to center: 70mm. Or.Nr.: 95554585

LHM+ green, hydraulic fluid. 1 liter. Suitable for Citroen 2CV starting from year of construction

1981 as brake fluid (vehicles with disc brake). Citroen DS starting from year of construction 1967, Citroen CX, GS, etc. for hydraulics.

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Citroën Ami 6 and Ami 8 Brake Fluid: DOT or LHM?

For the Citroën Ami 6 and Ami 8, it’s not just the model name that matters. What’s important is which brake system is actually installed.

The Citroën Ami 6 is typically equipped with front drum brakes. These vehicles usually use classic glycol-based brake fluid, typically DOT 3 or DOT 4 depending on the model.

With the Citroën Ami 8, a closer look is required. Depending on the model year and version, the vehicle may be equipped with front drum brakes or front disc brakes. For front drum brakes, DOT brake fluid is generally used. For front disc brakes, however, LHM or LHM+ is required in the brake system.

General rule for Ami 6 and Ami 8 brake systems

  • Front drum brakes = DOT brake system
  • Front disc brakes = LHM brake system

Therefore, please always check the actual brake system installed and do not rely solely on the model designation “Ami 6” or “Ami 8.”

Why the right brake fluid is so important

LHM and DOT are chemically completely different fluids. LHM is mineral-based, while DOT brake fluid is synthetic or glycol-based. The seals, boots, lines, wheel brake cylinders, brake calipers, and the master cylinder are each designed for the appropriate fluid.

A serious mistake is adding DOT brake fluid to an LHM system. This can attack, cause swelling, or destroy seals and rubber parts. In the worst-case scenario, the entire brake system must be overhauled.

Likewise, LHM must not be added to a DOT brake system. The two fluids must not be mixed together.

If the vehicle’s history is unknown, you should therefore always first determine with certainty which fluid is in the system and which brake system was installed.

Identifying features of the brake system

Typical indicators of the installed brake system are:

Characteristic Meaning
Front drum brakes Usually a DOT brake system
Front disc brakes on the transmission Usually a hydraulic brake system
Green fluid in the reservoir Indicates LHM
Green master cylinder or green marking Indicates LHM version
Clear to amber-colored brake fluid Indicates DOT brake fluid

Important: Color alone is not always a reliable indicator. Old, contaminated, or improperly mixed fluid can discolor. If in doubt, the brake system should be professionally inspected.

Differences between the Citroën Ami 6 and Ami 8

Citroën Ami 6

The Ami 6 is typically equipped with drum brakes. DOT brake fluid is normally used in these vehicles. Careful adjustment of the drum brakes is important, as this has a significant impact on pedal travel, braking performance, and the uniformity of the braking system.

Citroën Ami 8

The brake system on the Ami 8 requires a more thorough inspection. Early or certain models may be equipped with drum brakes, while later models feature front disc brakes. Disc brakes typically use a hydraulic brake fluid (LHM) system.

Especially for vehicles with an unknown history, you should always check whether DOT or LHM fluid is required before working on the brakes.

Brake fluid change interval

DOT brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. This can lower the boiling point and may also cause corrosion and malfunctions in wheel brake cylinders, the master cylinder, and lines.

LHM also degrades in the brake system. Although LHM absorbs less water than traditional DOT brake fluid, dirt, debris, and moisture can accumulate in the system over time.

A sensible maintenance guideline is:

  • Replace DOT brake fluid regularly, ideally about every 2 years
  • Replace LHM in the brake system at least every 40,000 km or every 5 years

For older vehicles, those that have been idle for long periods, or those with an unknown maintenance history, a shorter interval is recommended. In such cases, simply bleeding the system is not sufficient. It is advisable to completely replace the fluid and then inspect the entire brake system.

Citroën Ami 6 and Ami 8 Brake System: Typical Weak Points

1. Confusion between DOT and LHM

Using the wrong brake fluid is one of the most critical mistakes with the Ami 6 and Ami 8. LHM and DOT must not be mixed together.

If you are unsure which fluid was used, do not drive the vehicle until the brake system has been inspected.

If you suspect the fluid was filled incorrectly, simply topping it off or a quick flush is usually not enough. The master cylinder, lines, wheel cylinders, calipers, and seals must be carefully inspected and, if necessary, replaced or overhauled.

2. Seized wheel cylinders

In vehicles with drum brakes, wheel brake cylinders are frequently affected by corrosion, especially after prolonged periods of inactivity. They can seize up or develop leaks.

Typical signs include:

  • uneven braking
  • damp anchor plates
  • fluid loss
  • gradually decreasing pedal pressure
  • poor braking performance on the front or rear axle
  • Uneven braking performance

3. Incorrectly adjusted drum brakes

On the Ami 6 and Ami 8 with drum brakes, correct adjustment of the brake shoes is particularly important. An incorrectly adjusted drum brake can result in a long pedal travel, poor braking performance, or uneven braking.

If the eccentrics or adjusters are incorrectly set, the brake pedal may have a long travel, even though the system has been properly bled hydraulically.

Therefore, the drum brakes should always be mechanically adjusted correctly before the brake system is evaluated.

4. Sticky front brake calipers on the Ami 8 with disc brakes

On the Ami 8 with front disc brakes, the calipers are located on the inside of the transmission. There, they are exposed to heat, dirt, and oil mist.

Possible problems include:

  • sticky pistons
  • leaky calipers
  • contaminated brake pads
  • oil on the brake discs
  • uneven braking
  • Squeaking brakes after prolonged storage

5. Parking Brake

On the Citroën Ami 6 and Ami 8, the parking brake acts on the front wheels due to the vehicle’s design. Depending on the model, it engages the front brake drums or, on models with disc brakes, the front brake discs.

Poor parking brake performance is often caused by:

  • incorrect adjustment
  • worn parking brake pads on disc brakes
  • incorrectly adjusted brake shoes on drum brakes
  • stiff operation
  • dirty or greasy components

The parking brake should always be checked separately and adjusted correctly.

6. Old or damaged brake lines and fittings

In older vehicles, brake lines, fittings, and connectors can corrode or develop leaks. Components that appear undamaged on the outside should always be carefully inspected if the vehicle has been idle for a long time or has an unknown history.

Typical consequences include:

  • Fluid loss
  • Uneven braking performance
  • spongy pedal feel
  • Delayed brake release
  • Individual wheels become warm or hot

7. Leaking master cylinder

A defective or leaking master cylinder is often indicated by decreasing pedal pressure, fluid loss, or moisture in the area around the pedal well and dashboard.

With an LHM system, pay particular attention to green, oily marks. With a DOT system, damp spots, paint damage, or sticky residue may indicate leaking brake fluid.

Bleeding the Citroën Ami 8 Disc Brakes: Proper Maintenance of the LHM Brake System

The following description applies to a Citroën Ami 8 with front disc brakes and a hydraulic brake system.

Preparation

You will need:

Part / Tool Note
Hydraulic or Hydraulic+ Use only for LHM brake systems
Transparent hose Fits the bleed nipple
Collection vessel Clean and stable
Ring spanner For opening the bleed nipple
Helper or pressure bleeder Use a pressure bleeder only at low pressure
Brake cleaner and rags LHM is oily; brake discs and pads must remain clean

Before bleeding, check the following:

  1. Park the vehicle securely and jack it up.
  2. Clean the reservoir to prevent dirt from entering the system.
  3. Check for the correct fluid: For front disc brakes, use LHM or LHM+.
  4. Adjust the rear drum brakes mechanically to the correct settings.
  5. Check the master cylinder, lines, wheel cylinders, and calipers for leaks.

Bleeding sequence

In practice, work from the longest to the shortest line:

  1. rear right
  2. rear left
  3. front brake caliper (both brake calipers are bled via the left brake caliper)

It is crucial that the system is completely bled, the reservoir never runs dry, and work is continued at each bleed point until bubble-free, clean fluid emerges.

Bleeding with an assistant

  1. Fill the reservoir with LHM up to the mark.
  2. Connect the hose to the bleed nipple and place the end of the hose into a collection container.
  3. Slowly press the brake pedal two to three times and then hold it under pressure.
  4. Briefly open the bleed nipple to allow fluid and air to escape.
  5. Do not press the brake pedal all the way to the floor to avoid putting unnecessary strain on older seals in the master cylinder.
  6. Close the bleed nipple again.
  7. Only then release the brake pedal.
  8. Repeat the process until no more air bubbles escape.
  9. Check the fluid level after each bleed point and top up if necessary.
  10. Clean all bleed nipples and check them for leaks.

The brake pedal should be pressed slowly. Pumping too quickly can cause air and fluid to foam, making bleeding more difficult.

Bleeding on Ami 6 and Ami 8 with drum brakes

For Ami 6 and Ami 8 models with drum brakes, use the appropriate DOT brake fluid. The same rule applies here: The reservoir must never run dry during bleeding.

Before bleeding, the drum brakes must be properly adjusted. Otherwise, the pedal travel may remain too long even if the hydraulic system is fully bled.

Bleeding should also be performed carefully, starting from the longer line and working toward the shorter one, until clean, bubble-free brake fluid emerges from each bleed point.

Bleeding with a pressure bleeder

A pressure bleeder can be used, but should be used with caution on older vehicles. With old reservoirs, caps, and seals, only low pressure should be used.

A reasonable pressure range is usually around 0.5 to 1.0 bar, provided the cap fits tightly and the system is suitable for this.

The advantage of this method: The master cylinder is protected because the brake pedal is not pressed all the way into otherwise unused areas of the cylinder.

Check after bleeding

After bleeding, the brake pedal should feel firm. Then check the following:

  1. Press the brake pedal several times. It must not sink slowly.
  2. Check all bleed nipples and connections for moisture.
  3. Check the drum brakes again and adjust them correctly.
  4. Adjust and check the parking brake separately.
  5. Take the vehicle for a careful test drive.
  6. After the test drive, check whether individual wheels become unusually warm.

A hot wheel may indicate a dragging brake, a seized piston, a seized wheel brake cylinder, or a hydraulic return problem.

If the brake pedal remains soft

If the pedal remains soft after bleeding or the pedal travel is too long, the following causes are often possible:

Symptom Possible cause
Pedal soft, no visible leak Air still in the system
Long pedal travel, weak braking performance Drum brakes incorrectly adjusted
Pedal sinks slowly Master cylinder has an internal leak
One wheel barely brakes Wheel brake cylinder seized, line clogged, or air in the system
Brake releases poorly Piston stuck, line clogged, or return flow obstructed
Parking brake does not work properly Handbrake pads, brake shoes, adjustment, or mechanical issues

Important note

Do not experiment with the brake fluid on the Citroën Ami 6 and Ami 8.

  • Front drum brakes = DOT system
  • Front disc brakes = LHM or LHM+
  • Never mix LHM and DOT

If the vehicle has been parked for an extended period, the brake system should not only be bled but also thoroughly inspected. In particular, the wheel brake cylinders, brake lines, master cylinder, brake calipers, and the adjustment of the drum brakes are crucial for ensuring that the Ami 6 and Ami 8 brake safely, evenly, and reliably.