Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing hydraulic systems of the type including a prefilled hydraulic cylinder member having a bore, conduit means communicating with the bore proximate one end of the bore, and a piston member positioned within the bore. The test methodology comprises closing the system to substantially preclude escape of hydraulic fluid from the cylinder bore through the conduit means, applying a predetermined force to the piston to urge the piston to move in the cylinder bore, measuring the magnitude of the movement of the piston in the cylinder bore in response to the predetermined force, and accepting or rejecting the hydraulic system dependent upon the magnitude of the measured movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a hydraulic control apparatus of the type including a reservoir, a diaphragm positioned in the reservoir, a master cylinder, a slave cylinder, and a conduit interconnecting the master cylinder and the slave cylinder. The apparatus is filled by the use of a filling head which is fitted into the open top of the reservoir and which includes a nozzle portion having an exterior surface enclosing a volume which approximates the volume of the diaphragm so that, following filling of the apparatus, removal of the filling head, and reinsertion of the diaphragm, the apparatus is automatically placed in a totally filled condition.