Brake fluid upgrade question

Tim Rogers timrogers@charter.net
Sat, 7 Dec 2002 16:28:51 -0600


Rick wrote:

>>As far as i know it is. Now sylicone based fluids (DOT5) are *less*
hygroscopic if that makes a difference. of course the two aren't compatible
anyway.<<

You would have to flush out your braking system with denatured alcohol
before switching over to DOT5 fluid.
An even bigger problem with DOT5 fluid other than its reactivity with
"regular" brake fluid is that it tends to foam.  So, as you drive down the
road, the vibrations of driving cause air bubbles in your reservoir and they
eventually get sucked into your master cylinder, causing a soft pedal.
This is the reason that you will never see DOT5 fluid used in any
performance or race car.
You are much better off using high temp. standard brake fluid and bleeding /
flushing as necessary.

Tim Rogers
-93 NX T-top -needs wiring work
-91 NX - Racecar-to-be
-75 Silverado - Rusty Tow Beast