To all
This is what my friend found on the internet under Popular
Mechanics on the Dot 5 Silicone brake fluid. I have had this in my 55
Plymouth for 10 years with out a single problem with the fluid or seals.
Does any one have experience with this Dot 5 Silicone brake fluid? And if
you have any info on it let the List know as we can all learn form others.
The web site is http://popularmechanics.com/
I have found it to be great as the cylinders are nice and shiny and no moisture
in them and all looks very nice and normal. Maybe this winter I will take
the back brakes apart and look inside there as the back haven't been apart since
1989 when I put the Dot 5 in.
Jack Johnson 55 Plymouth Belvedere
My friend Terry wrote:
The brake fluid may be labeled DOT 3 (minimum boiling point of 400°F),
DOT 4 (minimum boil of 450°) or even DOT 5.0 or 5.1 (500°F). Your system
contains DOT 3 or DOT 4. These two are fully compatible, so you can mix them
without worry, and one of these is what you should use.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it's like a sponge. But it's supposed
to be, so if any moisture can get in, the fluid embraces it. However, moisture
causes the normal boiling point of the fluid to drop. Just 2% moisture in a
fluid is considered excessive. There are moisture testers, but we don't know a
repair shop that has one. And there's no guarantee that the moisture level in
the reservoir is the same as at the caliper–it may be higher at the
caliper.
Warning: There are silicone brake fluids (labeled DOT 5) that are
immune to moisture (5.1 is nonsilicone, but DOT 3 and 4 are what you should
use). Don't even think about using DOT 5 silicone fluid in an automotive braking
system, because it may cause faster wear of the seals, and if enough water gets
into a system it could cause loss of pedal. DOT 5 and 5.1 have application in
some racing vehicles.
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