JP Group Brake Fluid Reservoir with Cap & Level Sensor | VW Vanagon 1980–1991 with Brake Booster | OE 251 611 301 S (JP-3184-0)
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JP Group Brake Fluid Reservoir with Cap & Level Sensor — VW Vanagon 1980–1991 with Brake Booster (JP-3184-0)
Short answer: JP Group JP-3184-0 is the dual-circuit brake fluid reservoir that plugs into the top of the master cylinder on VW Vanagons with a brake booster, 1980–1991 in the US and 1979–1992 for the T3 Transporter. It comes with its cap and low-fluid sensor. It replaces VW OE 251 611 301 S (JP Group 1161201500) and is sold each.
Part numbers: JP-3184-0 · OE 251 611 301 S · JP Group 1161201500 · UPC 707924543155.
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1980–1991 | VW Vanagon (US) with brake booster (servo), incl. Westfalia and Syncro | Per EMPI ("1979–1992 Transporter", models with booster); Van Cafe lists 251 611 301 S for 1980–91 vans with a booster |
| 05/1979–07/1992 | VW T3 / T25 Transporter (ROW) with brake servo | Same OE number |
| 1979–1982 | Early T3 without brake booster | Does not fit — non-servo vans use a different reservoir |
| 1992–2003 | VW EuroVan | Does not fit |
| 1968–1979 | VW Bus (Bay Window) | Does not fit |
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | JP Group (Denmark), distributed by EMPI |
| Part number | JP-3184-0 |
| OE reference | 251 611 301 S |
| JP Group reference | 1161201500 |
| UPC | 707924543155 |
| Type | Dual-circuit reservoir, plugs into the master cylinder |
| Weight (EMPI) | 0.68 lb |
| Package | Approx. 8 x 6 x 5 in (estimate, not published) |
| Sold as | Each |
What's Included
- Brake fluid reservoir
- Reservoir cap
- Low brake fluid level sensor (per EMPI's description)
Not Included
- Reservoir-to-master-cylinder grommets (two per van; some suppliers include them, so check yours)
- Brake fluid
- Master cylinder
Why It Matters
The Vanagon reservoir gets brittle and yellow with age, which makes the fluid level hard to read. It can crack at the necks or around the grommet spigots and seep brake fluid onto the master cylinder and booster. Brake fluid strips paint and attacks rubber. A failing level sensor or a cap with a stuck float can trigger a false brake warning light or, worse, give no warning when the fluid is truly low. Replacing the reservoir, cap and sensor together restores a clear level view and a working warning circuit for very little money. It is good practice whenever you replace the master cylinder or flush the brakes.
Installation Notes
- Siphon the fluid out of the old reservoir first. Cover painted surfaces; brake fluid damages paint.
- Rock the reservoir free of its grommets. Fit new grommets if the old ones are hard or cracked.
- Lubricate the grommets with clean brake fluid and press the new reservoir straight down until it is fully seated.
- Connect the sensor wiring, fill with fresh DOT 4 fluid to the MAX line and bleed the brakes if air got into the master cylinder.
- Check that the brake warning light goes out with the parking brake released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this fit my 1986 Vanagon?
Yes. All US Vanagons with a brake booster use 251 611 301 S.
How do I know if my van has a booster?
Look for the large round vacuum canister behind the master cylinder, with a vacuum hose to the engine. US Vanagons have one.
Is this the same as OE 251 611 301 S?
Yes. EMPI and JP Group cross-reference JP-3184-0 to VW 251 611 301 S.
Does it include the cap and sensor?
Yes, per EMPI's description. The grommets may not be included.
Does it fit a Syncro?
Yes. Syncros use the same booster-type reservoir.
What else do I need?
New grommets if yours are hard, and DOT 4 brake fluid. Bleed the brakes if air entered the master cylinder.
Is it new?
Yes, a new JP Group part.
Explore Related Categories
VW Vanagon Parts Brakes & Components
California Prop 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and/or lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
