Brake Fluid Dot 4 vs Silicon Dot 5

[alex_holden]

Yes, because it doesn't absorb water.

[newagetraveller]

When rebuilding a morris minor in 1995 I used silicon brake fluid. After ten years I had to replace the seals in the master cylinder because they had gone spongy. There was no sign of rust in the bore of the master cylinder however and the brake fluid had none of the usual dirt that you get in it when using normal brake fluid.

That is the only problem that I have had with it.

[Alec]

Hello Nat,

I'm glad someone else is happy with it

Alec

[newagetraveller]

Thanks Alec.

It seems to me that most of the replies in this thread are based on what people have read on the www and hardly any of them are based on actual experience.

[jonathon]

Nat, I think that goes for many replies to threads on here.

[MoggyTech]

Thanks Alec.

It seems to me that most of the replies in this thread are based on what people have read on the www and hardly any of them are based on actual experience.

So just to recap.

Major brake component manufacturer advises against it's use
As do Millers
As does The Car Bibles Guru
It wasn't available when the Moggy brakes were designed.
So it is a bit of an unknown in a single circuit braking system.

So all I will say is, In My Humble Opinion, I don't think there is a conspiracy buried out there. What I do know, is Silicon brake fluid does turn into a gelatine gloop if a rubber seal breaks up.

Still at least two people have used it, with no adverse effects, so it must be ok

[jonathon]

[alex_holden]

Still at least two people have used it, with no adverse effects, so it must be ok

Three!

I've been using it for over ten years.

[les]

I've been keeping quiet, but if we're having a survey, I also use it and have done for 8 years, no problems so far.

[Leo]

I also have used Silicone Brake Fluid for 10 years in my MGB and 5 years in my Rover p4 without any problems.
If there is ever the need to renew the brake system on my Traveller I see no reason why it should not be used.

Leo

[RussLCV]

My van was rebuilt 7 years ago and has it in. It is laid up for period too, I have never chnaged it or any seals in teh seven years...........Fantastic stuff, just for info the American Military have used it for 20 years!!

So put in and forget it! Also it does not harm you paintwork in any way

[Arnie]

You can add me to the list of happy silicon users. I have heard horror stories about non automec fluid (i only use automec) destroying seals. I am sure that manufacturers of braking systems are really happy to sell you a near maintenance free system (not). Over 15 years of silicon use one dodgy seal and thats all. I'm sure others are put off by the price but if you only have to fit it once. Also glycol is the hydroscopic fluid not silicon, I have never had any corrosion in my silicon filled systems.

[RussLCV]

I agree Arnie I use Automec too! Great stuff