Recomendations on Brake Fluid

[Andrew]

I do know enough about cars to know what to take out and put back in them!

 

[Dug]

Re: Re: Recomendations on Brake Fluid

Thanks Andrew, that was very informative.

 

[Nigel]

Leave it out

So then you will understand the complexities of high performance car braking systems, the use of diferent grades of braking fluid for unventilated inboard braking systems. I will bear that in mind when I overhaul the rear system and ask you directly and not bother the "kids" here.

I know a fair bit about vehicle machanics but I am not always right, and more then often there is a different and very pertinent alternative to a solution, which is why I am never to proud to ask. Maybe if you took this attitude you may just learn something. I did here and I am glad I asked and I thank everyone who contributed their part to the final conclusion.

Nige

 

[Brad]

The Real Answer (and what are all those adverts)

I fear I can't return to this site until all the pop up adverts have been killed. I just had to close 5 sites that were working behind the main screen.
Anyway....
Silicon fluid is only of any use in a race environment. I can't think that anybody on this site will run their car to the extreme temperatures where the benefits of the fluid out weigh the huge problems. It does nto absorb water- it just sits on top and ruins ABS pumps. The use of silicon in a race car will enable it to excede 800 degrees centigrade. To give you some idea, from my day activities, A 50 cycle brake stop (Accelerate to 60MPH, Stand on the pedal, and within 0.5 seconds Accelerate again - 50 times) will get the temperature to about 600 centigrade. Increasing the stop time to just 3 seconds reduces the temp to about 500 centigrade.
However, the real killer is soak time. After this test, plastic wheel trims just melt down the wheels within 3 minutes.
And still the silicon is unsuitable. If you want decent brakes change the fluid every 9 months. And don't forget to push the pads back so that you empty the chamber (you actually want the new fluid at the calipers; not in the master cylinder)