On 2011-11-02, Winston wrote:
Ignoramus18836 wrote:
I brought in an outdoor forklift on pneumatic tires. It is not the one
that I bought for $500, but another one.

This outdoor one, runs good, but has nonworking brakes. Quick
investigation shows that brake system is full of air, and that brake
fluid is leaking from the right brake drum (I can see it leaking).

This is a Cat V50B LPG powered forklift.

Am I correct in assuming that a repair is simple, though not
necessarily easy, and likely amounts to replacing or fixing the brake
cylinder os some such?

Likely needs a flush and fill of the entire system
and rebuilt wheel cylinders all around

OK.

The next problem is taking the wheels off, they are held by nuts that
are 1 3/8" or so wide.

Check the brake fluid. Is it clean and clear or does it have a
green tinge?

Clean and clear.

The green is likely algae and needs to be flushed out.
I found algae in the clutch cylinder on my truck. I flushed the heck
out of the system then replaced both the master and clutch
cylinders. The parts were inexpensive. Now the master cylinder is
nice and clear. The clutch works much more linearly and easily.

Recommend purchase a power bleeder.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MVP-0108
It will save you a *lot* of time and aggravation.
I spent my life doing it the old way and the
power bleeder makes the job almost a pleasure.

--Winston

What fluid should I use? DOT brake fluid?

i