Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 09:24:02 GMT From: dslostynopsamline.com (dslosty) Subject: Re: silicon brake fluid
nospamnopsamam.org (r morella) wrote: > >>Sure the pedal may be a bit mushier, but it's so subtle you can't tell the >>difference after a few miles. The stuff IS compatible with DOT 3 and DOT 4, so >>I don't see the problems that everyone else is noting. > >A very well researched book "the Brake Handbook" by Fred Puhn, >specifically states that silicone bf is NOT compatible with dot3/4. >Either he's wrong or you are. Perhaps - but... Maybe I shouldn't add my voice to this debate but I've used silicone DOT5 fluid extensively with no problems. I've purchased several brands. Each manufacturers had instructions saying that DOT5 WAS compatible with normal DOT 3 or 4 fluid. Guess all the manufacturers must be wrong??? One of my cars that had it was a '71 Avanti II. Avanti used fixed two piston Lockheed/Girling calipers which could suffer severe corrosion with resultant caliper piston seizure. DOT5 was always recommended by the factory. I never noticed any sponginess or performance variation with altitude that others have mentioned. Also, DOT5 is often recommended by rebuilders of Corvette multi-piston fixed calipers, along with those who work on Jaguar, Mercedes and other cars using fixed multiple piston calipers where corrosion was critical. Various types of rubbers seals were used in the above makes - so I find the rubber damage arguement to be rather specious. Another advantage of DOT5 in high performance cars is its much higher boiling or vaporizing point - useful under severe braking condx. I suspect that the real reason why other car makers haven't used or recommended it is COST. Doug Remove the "_" in my return address to reply.
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