brake fuild
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 549
Likes: 5
From: punta gorda florida
brake fuild
I was at the local advanced auto today and wanted some brake fluid everything in the store said synthetic so I asked they said its the same as before that they just now did the label change that its always been synthetic its that so I am confused about this antone out there clear this up as I need to put brakes system back together
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,946
Likes: 28
From: Long Beach CA
Silicone (DOT 5) fluid doesn't play well with the DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids. If you're going to switch to silicone fluid, it is strongly recommended that you rebuild the calipers and master cylinder to remove all traces of the old fluid, and flush out the system for the same reason. Otherwise, you'll likely end up with leaks and system failure in the near future.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 9
From: Kalamazoo Mi
Silicone fluid is functionally incompatible with systems that have held glycol-based fluids for any length of time, requiring flushing and seal replacement (there are counter opinions on this, which state that the modern silicone formulations are in fact compatible with only a flushing, rather than a complete reseal). The actual DOT specification requires chemical compatibility, so as far as that goes, the two fluids won't cause reactions if used in the same system, but they certainly won't mix, either.
i have seen some reactions mixing dot 3 standard with dot 5 silicone, it turns into jelly, and creates headaches upon headaches.
i have seen some reactions mixing dot 3 standard with dot 5 silicone, it turns into jelly, and creates headaches upon headaches.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 549
Likes: 5
From: punta gorda florida
brake fluid
thnaks for the info guys I am just in the last stagesa of an rebuild of the rear suspension of my 69 vert redid the t/a new rear spring u joints did all the works myself including the bearing suports its was a great project to do gary and mike were a great hlep too lots good andice but all is ready to go back in now noting fancy on the paint od the parts just a black satin I drive the cart as much as possible that what vettes are for right
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Madison Wisconsin
Silicone (DOT 5) fluid doesn't play well with the DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids. If you're going to switch to silicone fluid, it is strongly recommended that you rebuild the calipers and master cylinder to remove all traces of the old fluid, and flush out the system for the same reason. Otherwise, you'll likely end up with leaks and system failure in the near future.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 4
From: 2011,2012 ECS CC 10.50 CHAMP Massapequa NY
My family has used silicone in our vettes for over 20 years. We just drain the old fluid and flush or bleed with the silcone fluid until its all cleaned out. We have never experience a problem from it. The vettes are 63 convert. 63 coupe, 66 coupe, 67 convert, 69 coupe. We will add a 75 and 80 to the list after we redo the brakes.
Dont forget silicone wont eat the paint off your car like other brake fluids.
Dont forget silicone wont eat the paint off your car like other brake fluids.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 487
Likes: 160
From: Two Lane Black Top
Also DOT 3 & 4 will absorb water while DOT 5 won't absorb water. However, water still works it's way into the braking system.
I've been told, a DOT 5 system that's never flushed to get the accumilated water out of it etc and replace with fresh DOT 5 will accumilate water in time that will effect performance. In hard braking conditions the little water pockets can boil etc and cause erratic brake performance similar to air the brake lines.
I've been told, a DOT 5 system that's never flushed to get the accumilated water out of it etc and replace with fresh DOT 5 will accumilate water in time that will effect performance. In hard braking conditions the little water pockets can boil etc and cause erratic brake performance similar to air the brake lines.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 43
From: Native Californian CALIFORNIA
Army
If you are restoring the brake system switching to silicone is the right choice. It can be a bear to bleed the first time around but it is worth the effort.
It is similar to a LNG engine, it will work forever and when you pull it apart it is clean.
It is similar to a LNG engine, it will work forever and when you pull it apart it is clean.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
Silicone (DOT 5) fluid doesn't play well with the DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids. If you're going to switch to silicone fluid, it is strongly recommended that you rebuild the calipers and master cylinder to remove all traces of the old fluid, and flush out the system for the same reason. Otherwise, you'll likely end up with leaks and system failure in the near future.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Go to Autozone and buy the Valvoline "synthetic" DOT3 DOT4 brake fluid (bottle is labelled as both!!) or the Castrol GT LMA DOT4 fluid and sleep well at night knowing your braking system is just fine.
I have read about DOT5 not having the same compression characteristics, which could give you a funky pedal feel, and can be a problem unless you have a 100% clean new brake system.
If you go through the trouble of that and find its not your cup-o-tea, you now have a system that needs to be thouroughly cleaned of it.
My .02
I have read about DOT5 not having the same compression characteristics, which could give you a funky pedal feel, and can be a problem unless you have a 100% clean new brake system.
If you go through the trouble of that and find its not your cup-o-tea, you now have a system that needs to be thouroughly cleaned of it.
My .02
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
Look up silicone brake fluid on the internet. I read one article that said if your master cylinder leaked silicone fluid into your brake booster it would be sucked into the engine. It turns into sand when burned. Regular brake fluid will burn with your gasoline.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Too many words that start with an "S" are being discussed in one thread...
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
Actually we were talking brake fluid. Not sure what you're talking about.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 911
Likes: 5
From: TN
Dot5
I have had DOT 5 silicone fluid in my 68 and 70 for over 20 years, for sure have no intentions going back to DOT 3 or DOT 4.
My 70 has power brakes and I am still amazed at the braking potential it has with silicone and power brakes.
With the Vette Brakes suspension front and read, it just stops so quick and straight, just hunkers down.
My 70 has power brakes and I am still amazed at the braking potential it has with silicone and power brakes.
With the Vette Brakes suspension front and read, it just stops so quick and straight, just hunkers down.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
I would not go with DOT 5 unless you're replacing everything though.