Not that I would ever do it but...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 5
From: Denver, North Carolina
Not that I would ever do it but...
Can someone tell me exactly what are the ill effects of putting Dot 5 silicone brake fluid into a Dot 3 or 4 system? And don't say it won't mix, I know that already. I mean a completely rebuilt or new (dry) brake system originally intended for Dot 3 or 4, what will be the problems caused if Dot 5 is used instead?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Apparently the main problem is with the ABS/Traction contol systems. Not sure what is incompatible internally, but the ABS pumps and/or valve bodies seem to be the issue.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 14,551
Likes: 24
From: Washington County, South UTAH
Silicone fluid in cars not specifically designed for it, is NOTHING BUT TROUBLE! Tried it.
Any rubber exposed to dot3, will likly leak/swell when exposed to silicone fluid. In our race car, it never had the firm pedal of dot 3.
Time has shown Dot3/4's absorbing moisture is a GOOD thing. Silicone allows the water to seporate in little "blobs". Just change the darn dot 3 every year or so.
Any rubber exposed to dot3, will likly leak/swell when exposed to silicone fluid. In our race car, it never had the firm pedal of dot 3.
Time has shown Dot3/4's absorbing moisture is a GOOD thing. Silicone allows the water to seporate in little "blobs". Just change the darn dot 3 every year or so.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 631
Likes: 3
From: Joppa AL
Silicone fluid in cars not specifically designed for it, is NOTHING BUT TROUBLE! Tried it.
Any rubber exposed to dot3, will likly leak/swell when exposed to silicone fluid. In our race car, it never had the firm pedal of dot 3.
Time has shown Dot3/4's absorbing moisture is a GOOD thing. Silicone allows the water to seporate in little "blobs". Just change the darn dot 3 every year or so.
Any rubber exposed to dot3, will likly leak/swell when exposed to silicone fluid. In our race car, it never had the firm pedal of dot 3.
Time has shown Dot3/4's absorbing moisture is a GOOD thing. Silicone allows the water to seporate in little "blobs". Just change the darn dot 3 every year or so.
That's why I quit using silicone in my C2. It just doesn't give the firm pedal I like. Lots of folks maintain silicone prevents rust in those old calipers. I'd rather rebuild calipers than live with a mushy pedal.
