Silicone Brake Fluid

[resto75]

I am in the process of rebuilding all my brakes calipers on my 75. I have heard conflicting stories on the use of silicone (DOT5) brake fluid.

It seems that it doesnt attract moisture but will get some in it regardless, and this can cause problems in a car that isn't driven daily as the moisture puddles up in one spot and then corrodes that spot (usually a low spot).

Anyone using DOT5 have any problems or suggestions for or against using it.

 

[Eric]

Try performing a forum search on "silicone" or just "brake fluid". This is popular topic and has come up numerous times in the past.

 

[Vette/Berlina-coupe]

BerlinaBob here: -use the desirably non-hydroscopic slippery-stuff in all eight of my cars, -including a LotusEsprit, and NO adverse effects from it after as much as 5-years; ---and when you remove a wheel-cylinder for inspection, t'is clean as originally installed! (silicone is also good for your paint, tires, and leather, but not desirable for ABS-systems, as tends to cavitate owing to its inherently thicker viscosity; so likewise gently pump your brake when bleeding-brakes so as to prevent creation of air-bubbles in the lines, etc.), Another excellent alternative however, is a relatively new-comer exceeding DOT-4 with a high 500*f+ boiling-point, is a Synthetic/brakefluid-formula such as sold under name Valvoline/SynPower suitable for drum/disk/abs; -and is gentler to paint than ordinary Brake-fluid but is not entirely vapor-impervious, so if you want your brake-system to stay free of corrossion as best possible, DOT-5/Silicoln is your ticket! For that matter, I don't know why one can't use 10w50-Mobil-1/Synthetic-motoroil in stainless-steel brake-lines if you have some aversion to silicone; --however my girlfriend "Roxie" loves the stuff!!! -B-B :dance