In a message dated 96-09-18 18:42:20 EDT, you write:
<< Any members with first hand experience with silicone brake fluid care to
share their comments or impressions? Cost not a big factor here as the
price of the stuff is coming down and if it as good as the claims, it should
be a bargin in terms of money saved in replacing brake parts.
Thanks in advance.
Angelo Graham >>
Angelo,
I've been using silicone fluid in both of my Spits. Number 1 (club
events/autocrosser) has had the DOT for about 5 years now. Number 2 (daily
driver) has had it for about 1-1/2 years.
All master cylinders were rebuilt with Lucas Girling kits before flushing and
refilling the systems (done mostly because I wasn't sure of history before I
owned the cars).
I haven't noticed any problems with rubber components or unusually soft brake
pedals - if your rear shoes/drums are adjusted properly, any difference would
probably be imperceptible under normal driving conditions.
Now come the caveats. You must completely flush out the old DOT 3 or 4. Even
though the silicone fluid will not absorb moisture, any remaining old fluid
will probably contain water. There it becomes trapped and, since it can no
longer mix with the surrounding silicone, it begins oxydizing whatever metal
it's in contact with. If that happens to be a brake line, and you jump on
the brakes hard one time, it could be a spectacular failure.
Second, but not a problem with our LBCs, is you CANNOT use silicone with ABS
systems found in newer cars. The rapid action of the internal valves and
pistons can whip air into the DOT 5. Another opportunity for grand failure.
If you do convert, and you KNOW your system is good, start out with a full
quart of DOT 5, and working your way around the four bleeders, in correct
order, bleed, bleed and bleed again. Use up the full quart. A few weeks later
repeat the process. After about 6 months do it again. That's what I did about
5 years ago on #1 and I haven't had any problems. In all the years this
silicone controversy has been raging, I've yet to actually hear of or see a
problem caused by the DOT 5 fluid. It's always been "...well, I know this guy
who knows another guy who...", well you know the rest.
Charlie B.
Capital Triumph Register
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