Silicone brake fluid leakage

[paul2748]

I've used Dot 5 in a 48 Ford for 20 some odd years with no problems.

[Ian NZ]

I use silicon brake fluid in my 47 coupe for about 40 years have had no problems.
What I do I if I an not using the car I hop into the V8 and pump the brakes every month or so.

[russcc]

Excellent thread, especially the post by Flathead Fever on the master cylinder and residual pressure. Also on the incompatibility of SS liners with aluminum pistons. I have used DOT 5 for years, no leaks except for one faulty wheel cylinder. All the wheel cylinders are NORS, USA.

[John R]

Originally Posted by Ian NZ

Different owners of vehicles here have had there wheel cylinders lined with stainless steel liners and have found after the time using aluminium pistons that the pistons start corroding and they seize up, it is a well known fact that aluminium and stainless steel do not mix, so you can either use cast iron or steel or brass pistons which would have to be made with stainless steel lined wheel cylinders.

Ian, could you provide some references on the piston corrosion issue? Especially actual experiences. Since nearly all pistons of recent vintage are aluminum, this could be a serious problem.

[Mart]

Not wanting to cause any arguments, but as far as early Fords go, why is it necessary to stainless sleeve a cylinder? Perfectly servicable parts are freely available at reasonable prices. Dot 4 is my fluid of choice these days for easy availability.

I would think stainless sleeving is reserved for parts that are otherwise unavailable, especially if it is throwing up an issue with incompatibility with aluminium pistons.

There was an issue with the drillings in rear wheel cylinders a few years ago, but those I have bought recently have been drilled ok.

Mart.

[Ian NZ]

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Originally Posted by John R

Ian, could you provide some references on the piston corrosion issue? Especially actual experiences. Since nearly all pistons of recent vintage are aluminum, this could be a serious problem.

I read an article about it in a book somewhere, The aluminium wheel cylinders you will find will have steel or aluminium pistons in them too, that is no problem, I would think it would only apply to wheel cylinders or a master cylinder that have had a replacement stainless steel insert fitted. It has been discussed here and all agreed that aluminium and stainless do not mix. I have worked in the stainless steel manufacturing industry for a long time too.

[Red98]

Mama taught me never to discuss three things at the dinner table with friends -
politics, religion, and brake fluid.


So, I will start a poll.