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Re: [GMCnet] Brakes and brake fluid [message #64266 is a reply to message #64255] Sat, 14 November 2009 17:48 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
GMC_LES is currently offline  GMC_LES   United States
Messages: 569
Registered: October 2009
Location: Montreal
Karma:
Senior Member
I have been using Cartel DOT 5 silicone fluid for almost 20 years.

http://www.cartelproducts.com/performancebrakefluids/siliconebrakefluiddot5.
html

http://tinyurl.com/ygbgpta


I have a tandem axle trailer with hydraulic drum brakes that I converted to
DOT 5 over 15 years ago with no flushing or maintenance since the initial
conversion. I recently went through the system to inspect it and was
surprised to find it in perfect health with no water or rust damage
internally.

I also have used the DOT 5 in an Audi 4000 with disc/drums, an Audi 5000
Quattro (AWD) with 4 wheel discs & ABS, and a VW Passat with ABS. None of
the cars had any trouble with the stuff even though I did very minimal brake
system maintenance over the many years I ran these cars. The fluid
manufacturer warned me that I may experience problems with the ABS system,
but after 8 years in the Audi, and 7 in the Passat, I can say everything
worked very much to my satisfaction. Because of the road conditions we see
here in Montreal, the ABS systems got a good workout.

I noticed several major improvements in my vehicle braking systems since
running DOT 5.
First,
The cold weather brake pedal sensitivity appears to be improved as the fluid
does not appear to increase in viscosity like typical Brake fluid. The rear
brakes also respond quicker in extreme cold than with regular fluid.
Second,
The silicone fluid is a good lubricant, so the hydraulic parts suffer less
frictional losses. This also helps improve the pedal sensitivity.
Third,
Every car I've owned with rear disc brakes has had premature e-brake
mechanism failure do to the inevitable road salts we see here in Quebec.
Since using DOT 5, the calipers seam to be lasting several years longer
before seizing up. This may also be partly due to my meticulous caliper
rebuilding techniques.

I can honestly say that I believe the DOT 5 I use has saved me on brake
system repairs over the years. I always did a full system overhaul and flush
to be sure that all seals were in perfect shape, and that all traces of the
old fluid was removed prior to pouring in the DOT 5. Bleeding was always
done with a pressure bleeder and not by pumping the pedal. Any results I
obtained were not through any controlled testing, just a seat of the pants
feel.

I can assure you that my coach will be getting DOT 5 along with a rear disc
conversion. The main reason for doing so will be to help prolong the
hydraulic component lifespan. I do recommend that a system flush be done
every 2 years to ensure removal of any foreign substances even though I did
not follow that recommendation on my previous vehicles.

My second choice for fluid has always been the ATE Superblue and the yellow
equivalent. I have used this fluid in many cars as well. I alternate between
colours each system flush.

Les Burt
Montreal

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of George Rudawsky
Sent: November 14, 2009 5:02 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Brakes and brake fluid



When we redid the brake system on my Palm Beach last year, we used the
silicone Grade 5 brake fluid as it does spend most of it's time sitting.
I'm eager to see how well things hold up with time, or if we start seeing
seal troubles, etc. Since the system was totally apart, it seemed like a
good time to give it a try.

I've used plenty of Castrol LMA and Ate brake fluids in my other cars over
the years, and they have also worked well. We also used Ford Heavy Duty
truck brake fluid in race cars years ago as it had the highest dry boiling
temperature rating at the time. We did change and bleed brakes on a regular
basis, but I hope that the silicone experiment works OK on the motorhome.
Time will tell, but I do think it's a good idea to change the fluid
regularly on any vehicle you own.

Whatever you do, don't change over to silicone fluid unless the entire
system is apart!
--
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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Les Burt Montreal 1975 Eleganza 26ft A work in Progress

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