I see people putting little tube-sock looking things on their reservoirs, but do these serve any real purpose?

 

borrowed from KIDS2000's server. Kid, I hope you don't mind, but if you do, I would be happy to edit out the pic and put another in here... your pic was just the best example I could find in my brief search. (PM sent, btw)

 

To stop condensation getting into the reservoirs IIRC.

 

I put a Nike one on there....great for wiping my sweat when I work on my car

Seriously, I don't know why you guys buy those things for $20, use a tennis sweat band

 

I believe they are to stop any spillage of fluid getting around the engine bay during hard cornering.

H9k has it right. Why pay $20 for Spoon ones when the Nike ones are made in the same south east asian sweatshop.

 

FWIW, when I change my street pads to track pads and I have to push the pistons in to accomodate the larger pads brake fluid gets pushed past the full limit and the sock soaks it up! I took off one of my spoon socks and replaced it with a yellow sock that says Yoo Hoo Chocolate drink

 

As you use the clutch and brakes, the level in the reservoir changes. The caps have breathers that equalize the air pressure as the level changes. The socks are meant to prevent dust from getting into the system. They are, for all intensive purposes, air filters.

 

not saying you shouldnt do it but the nike ones i doubt are made at teh same sweat shop, mugen adn sppon are fire retardent thus the $20 price tag

 

hmm...maybe i should burn mine to test it out.

 

As temps under the hood rise and temps in the fluid from hard braking rise, the fluid will expand. The reservoir covers keep this fluid from spilling out and eating paint.