Re: [FWDLK] Brake fluid

this discussion had come up before, and there were some negative thoughts and claims about dot5.... someone claimed there was a chance of brake fade due to the [lower] heat resistance of the 5...

personally i've been using the DOT5 in 1 car since 1998, another since 2000 [we're talking fully a overhauled 1971 and 1958, respectively] with no problems... and many since then, as a comparison, the 58 i used 5 in back in 2000 has probably been driven less than 100 miles since then, due to rarity/irreplaceability were a tragedy to happen.... a 57 i did about the same time got traditional DOT3- only because i knew one day i'd be switching to disc brakes when i do get to that build.. the same wheel cyls started leaking a few yrs ago for sitting idle... same time, age, and useage between the 2 cars..

dot5 is silicone- will not harm paint, and will not/cant absorb moisture.

i took it a step further- i was donated a case of crown lift [forklift] silicone brake/hydraulic fluid. it is a darker purple than DOT5, and its comprseeability characteristics and heat absorbtion/dispersion exceeds DOT5 brake fluid. i have been using that in many cars since as well with great results... i have this silicone hydraulic fluid in my 51 buick- talk about the most rock solid feel under your foot when stopping... have it in 1 57 desoto and 2 58 plymouths now- no fade, even at or over 120mph [with frt discs of course].. but even the 59 fury which sees 3 digit stops with drum brakes, doesnt feel a pedal fade- and thats a daily driver that has accumulated about or at least 75,000 miles since i threw it together in 2001...

and finally- i can safely say every new car uses dot5.... not that new cars are that great- but it is an industry standard to say the least... dot3 may one day be the r-12 of brake fluid...

-----Original Message-----
From: Bjwt56@xxxxxxx
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sat, Nov 21, 2009 7:39 am
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Brake fluid

Don:

When I put my 56 back together I put DOT 5 brake fluid in it and everything is fine. One nice thing about DOT 5 is that it will not harm paint when spilled on it. I was warned that DOT 5 would cause the cylinder seals to deteriorate, so I soaked some seals in DOT 5 for a couple months before I put the fluid in the car. Nothing happended to the seals and I have been running the stuff for at least a decade.

John

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