Informative comparison of brake fluids plus interesting facts of silicon

[Mike S]

  Though this article is not from a Camaro site, it is one of the more informative articles about brake fluids I have come across and thought some here may find it informative. Also, I was under the impression using silicon would eliminate the need for any maintenance (barring obvious leaks) but the interesting explanation about water separation from silicon and seeking the lowest levels within the brake system was of interest. It's several pages but well worth the reading.
  Here is the URL: http://www.mossmotors.com/SiteGraphics/Pages/Brake_Fluid/page1.html

Mike

[JD-Camaro]

good read. thanks for sharing, Mike

[69Z28-RS]

That's a very well researched and written article, obviously by someone with much experience and knowledge.  It's the best I've read on brake fluids and their differences and should help anyone address concerns raised from hearing opposing contradictory opinions/views.  I'm saving that one in my archives.

[BULLITT65]

Interesting read. I have gone many years without changing the brake fluid, which means I am guilty of opening the cap often and checking the level pf the fluid (introducing moisture).

The silicone brake fluid sounds good, but only if you were using it in a fresh system that had never had any fluid in it. I wonder how much longer it would take to bleed all of the air.

My 69 probably still has some original brake fluid in it   ...along with a high amount of water if that article is correct about humid areas. Have to bleed the brakes and introduce a couple of bottles of new fluid.

thanks for the info!

[BillOhio]

I was thinking I would put silicone in my car since everything is new. Anyone tired it and had trouble with the spongy pedal?
I had an acura tl, 2004, and it should have had the fluid replaced before it was. It got nasty looking. That car was great but it got a spongy pedal. They had a vehicle stability assist on it that used brakes for control. It self tested itself when you started the car. They had some seal in there that eventually sucked some air. The part to fix it was 1500 and I got the pedal up and traded it. Hard to justify putting that much in 13 year old car

[rich69rs]

I converted over to silicone DOT5 brake fluid in both my '66 Chevelle and my '69 RS over 10 years ago - no issues at all.  Every product has pluses and minuses.  For me, silicone DOT5 has more pluses for my rides.

[janobyte]

It's what we run in this: easy pass on the stop. Bottom of the amber, poor light. ( not the Z, but the 400 did some time in it...well prior to it's rebuild)
Dad also uses it in his 38, no issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh6djrVoUFQ

[6667ss138]

I use silicone brake fluid in my 67 Chevelle driver. I put it in about three years ago and have good brakes, no problems at all. I will put it in my 66 Chevelle and 69 Z/28 when the time comes. It sure is nice not to have to worry about damaging the new paint and finishes if there happen to be any leaks.

[69Z28-RS]

I rebuilt the brakes on my '69 Corvette in 1988, rebuilt the MC, sleeved/rebuilt the calipers, replaced the rubber hoses and all other rubber parts, assembled the cylinder/calipers with silicone, cleaned all existing hard lines with alcohol and blew until clean/dry...  Haven't touched the brakes on that car since.   Since that time, I've done the same to a couple of other cars which hasn't required any further work either.  I think the use of silicone is fantastic for vehicles that are seldom driven; any brake issues haven't been a problem on any of my cars.  The 'socalled' spongy pedal is minimal to negligible and is a stretch to call it 'spongy'..

[BillOhio]

Thanks for the info guys. I hope I can give back help someday after all I received. If you have any farming questions ask away!!  Somedays I wonder if I know what I am doing there! 

[janobyte]

I rebuilt the brakes on my '69 Corvette in 1988, rebuilt the MC, sleeved/rebuilt the calipers, replaced the rubber hoses and all other rubber parts, assembled the cylinder/calipers with silicone, cleaned all existing hard lines with alcohol and blew until clean/dry...  Haven't touched the brakes on that car since.   Since that time, I've done the same to a couple of other cars which hasn't required any further work either.  I think the use of silicone is fantastic for vehicles that are seldom driven; any brake issues haven't been a problem on any of my cars.  The 'socalled' spongy pedal is minimal to negligible and is a stretch to call it 'spongy'..

Agree.

"Spongy Pedal" may just be remaining air in the lines, small leak at a fitting or improperly bled master cylinder.
When doing brakes, I always suck the fluid through the bleeders first via MitaVac, then utilize a helper to "pump" the pedal. More fluid used, but system flushed.

As long as were not canyon carving, we should be alright.

[janobyte]

Good article, I  saved it. David Pozzi's site also has great info on the topic.

[rich69rs]

It sure is nice not to have to worry about damaging the new paint and finishes if there happen to be any leaks.

AMEN!

[ko-lek-tor]

In my previous life, I was a Authorized Mercedes-Benz Technician. Their training and manuals suggest to replace brake fluid yearly, preferably in the Spring. While in training, I asked, Why the Spring? Answer was that is when humidity was lowest. Yearly change was because of moisture that accumulates in fluid, DOT 3 being a desiccant.  I, also, like the benefits of silicone fluid in cars that sit and the fact that paint is not affected by spills.

[firstgenaddict]

We have been using silicone fluid on everything (my father has used it in his antiques since the 70's) After having 60's vettes with 4 piston calipers everything I have restored and or brake system replaced I rebuild all brake components and use silicone DOT5, specifically because it is hydrophobic, meaning it resists the introduction of moisture. The problem was so bad with the 4 piston calipers and old fluid it cured us vette guys, many other GM guys swapped to the 69 style single piston calipers, which were much less prone to issues.