2 replies to this topic

[andywaller]

hi guys can you help?

i am just about to order a few bits from frost when i found they sell silicon brake fluid, what i would like to know is will 0.5 litres be enough to fill my brake and clutch systems or will i have to go for the full 1 litre bottle?

cheers
andy

[dklawson]

Buy a liter.

If your system has old rubber bits in it... you may have trouble in the future. Though the manufacturers sometimes say it's not necessary to use DOT-5 fluid in a new system... it sometime IS best used with all new rubber. Make sure your system is clean, flushed, and dry before making the switch. You can flush the system out with isopropyl alcohol and then flow compressed air through it until all the pipes are dry.

When pouring silicone fluid into the reservoir, place a pencil or similar into the filler neck extending all the way to the bottom. Pour the fluid on the pencil slowly so the fluid runs down the pencil and not directly into the fluid that's there. You want to avoid trapping bubbles in the fluid. If you get bubbles, wait until the next day to bleed the system.

Racers complain about pedal feel and compressibility of DOT-5 fluid. I use it in both my classic cars. I am in the "pro" DOT-5 camp... but I don't race.

[Dan]

Absolutely, you definitely can't just stick the silicon in your reservoir, whatever the makers say about it. The system will need a very thorough cleaning first to remove all traces of mineral fluid, the two are not at all compatible chemically. Even new parts that have been assembled using mineral assembly lubricant at the factory should be cleaned through before using silicon.