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Brake fluid

Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2024 3:12 pm
by Ingles49
If I want to change to silicone brake fluid is it a straight swap ie drain old fluid, fill with silicone and bleed or do I have to change other compoonents such as rubber seals, master cylinder etc.

Re: Brake fluid

Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2024 5:20 pm
by oliver90owner
Straight swap.

Re: Brake fluid

Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 12:06 pm
by olonas
https://brakefluidstore.com/difference- ... and-dot-5/

I have DOT 5 in my Minor (Automec). I changed to it many years ago. At the time I renewed the complete system, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, pipes, flexibles etc..
Whether true or not, I have read that the DOT 5 is not good for the seals when replacing DOT 3 or DOT 4 with it.
It didn't affect me because the whole system was new and completely devoid of the previous fluid.
I did change the original Automec with the same about 5 years ago. No evidence of water or corrosion at that time.

Re: Brake fluid

Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 1:20 pm
by King Kenny
I too changed to Automec silicone fluid when I fitted all new brake system, front discs new copper/nickel pipes. new flex pipes and master cylinder and reaf cylinders. Never had a days problem since. If any standard fluid remains in your system it won't matter. It will still work but you will not achieve the full benefits. If you replace or strip and clean every thing to completely remove all traces of old fluid you will get the full benefit. Well worth the effort.
Edit.. just read the link above which warns against mixing the two types, so probably best not to.

Re: Brake fluid

Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 1:56 pm
by les
I changed to silicone a long while ago, again took the advise from reliable sources to renew rubbers and not mix. So far all is well.

Re: Brake fluid

Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 9:02 pm
by Ingles49
Mmmm! This is what I feared, some people say straight swap and others say renew all the rubber components. I'm a coward so I'll just stick to changing the Dot 4 every 2 years.