r1_pete
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| posted on 24/7/08 at 01:01 PM |
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Silicone brake fluid
Anyone using it? does it need changing frequently?
Thinking of using it in the B, the cylinders are mounted on a flat 'shelf' which normal fluid always manages to seep onto and cause
problems.
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Peteff
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| posted on 24/7/08 at 01:07 PM |
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Not all systems can use silicone fluid, the seals disintegrate and the old fluid should be completely removed from the system which might be a problem
unless you are starting from scratch.
yours, Pete
I went into the RSPCA office the other day. It was so small you could hardly swing a cat in there.
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 24/7/08 at 01:11 PM |
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I've used it - it has its place, but it brings several problems.
1. It holds air very easily - even pouring it into the reservoir can cause air to be absorbed. The brake pedal will always feel softer than with
normal fluid.
2. It doesn't absorb water - sounds good, but any water works its way down to the ends of the pipework and the silicone fluid sits on top of
it... you will always have trouble shifting it. Water may well settle next to the pistons, which get hot, and it may end up as steam.
3. It isn't always compatible with brake components, especially old ones.
4. If you change your mind and decide to go back to ordinary fluid, you will find it a total PITA to get it out of the system (guess how I know - it
took me 4 or 5 total brake fluid replacements before I was happy that I'd got it out.
5. It was originally made for the US military to make maintenance easier. The US Military has now abandoned it, so there's some doubt about how
much longer it will be available.
What's it good for? Classic show vehicles that will only be moved from trailer to show stand. Also it's non-flammable, non-poisonous, and
doesn't eat paint.
HTH
David
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r1_pete
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| posted on 24/7/08 at 01:22 PM |
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Thanks guys, I am using all new components, but, those points David, are enough to make me think again,...
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 24/7/08 at 01:44 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by r1_pete
Thanks guys, I am using all new components, but, those points David, are enough to make me think again,...
sound rubbish stuff TBH
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Bluemoon
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| posted on 24/7/08 at 02:19 PM |
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Agree with the above, great for a museum peace (maybe) as any leaks around pistons (there will be some, even if it's very small) will not
corrode piston bores, and it will not attack paint.. But as said once water is in it will not get absorbed but sit in bubbles..
In a car that you will use I think it's probably a bad idea..
Dan
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MikeRJ
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| posted on 24/7/08 at 04:23 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
I've used it - it has its place,
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TOO BADD
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| posted on 24/7/08 at 05:48 PM |
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Have been using it for 5 years with Hi Spec calipers with no probs !!
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rick q
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| posted on 24/7/08 at 10:58 PM |
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I agree wholeheartedly with everything Dave Jenkins said above. One extra thing was that it seems to leak (or spread) itself rapidly. Without any
visible leak, I ended up with the stuff on the brake pedal (directly below the master cylinder) which made it unbelievably slippery.
Removing it from the system required the replacement of every rubber, plus flushing and flushing and flushing with alcohol, before flushing with
conventional brake fluid.
Pedal is now much firmer, conventional brake fluid is readily available, and the dearest stuff is still cheaper than silicon.
As far as I'm aware, the only vehicles currently using it are some Harleys.
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v8kid
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| posted on 1/8/08 at 05:24 PM |
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I had a hell of a job flushing it out of my old car even flushing with alcholol left some ( it formed little globules)
Much better when I eventually cleared it the pedal was solid and no dead pedal after heavy braking.
Silicone is Vgood for show cars though as I found to my cost conventional hydraulic fluid dissolves home resprays quicker than blinking!
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02GF74
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| posted on 6/8/08 at 01:26 PM |
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what DJ said.
if your system is in good condition, it should not leak - I had a B too and it never leaked brake fluid.
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