Club 80-90 Forums

Having used silicon brake fluid in various classic cars over the years I am surprised that there seams to be little usage mentioned on this forum.
Does any one use it or is there some reason that it shouldn't be used in these vehicles?

This explains a lot..http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/brakefluids.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That's interesting, Rob. I knew about DOT5.0/5.1 - but thought 5.1 was a "safe" silicone. Didn't realise it was still Glycol. Thanks for that.

So it still needs changing every two years, to prevent the risk of absorbed water boiling.

I'd question that link's statement that silicon fluid (DOT5.0) causes more corrosion by not absorbing water, though - how's it get to the cylinders & calipers, if the fluid doesn't absorb? I know that LHM in Citroens is also non-hygroscopic, and internal corrosion of the hydraulics is totally unknown - even where cars have been utterly abused and the fluid's not been changed for many years.

I love Dot 5. I have had it in my Morris Minor for more than ten years or more with no problems. The rear break cylinders used to seize every second year with the old break fluid. I changed the whole braking system and fitted copper brake lines, front disks, new master cylinder and silicon brake fluid. The car was used nearly every day and I never touched the system or had any problems. I also used it in my motorbike. If I ever have to repair the braking system on my T3 I will change it to silicon brake fluid.

i agree i use silicon brake fluid in all my cars after a caliper seal went on me and removed the paint of a expensive wheel i wont use anything else nowadays