Silicone brake fluid

[V8COOPMAN]

I should remind y'all to go back and take another peek at post #3. I believe that prognostication was reasonably accurate! DD

[Ronnieroadster]

For the last 46 years i have used Dot 5 brake fluid in my roadster with no issues whatsoever. You may need to convert to a hydrolic brake light switch thats compatible with Dot 5 or convert to a mechanical brake light switch.
Ronnieroadster

[bobscogin]

The good news about DOT 5 is that it's not hygroscopic. That's the bad news too, as any moisture that gets into the system will not become homogeneous with the fluid. This can cause the moisture to accumulate in areas of the system and cause rust. Flushing the system won't get it out. Inspect that wheel cylinder when you remove it for signs of corrosion. Otherwise, nothing wrong with DOT 5.

Bob

[bobscogin]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Automotive Stud, Use a Harley Davidson switch. Pick one up at a dealer.

Make sure you get an old one. Harley no longer uses DOT 5 fluid. It didn't play well with anti-lock braking systems so they when back to glycol based fluids.

Bob

[STEVE O]

I remember back the first time I used silicone fluid about attacking rubber, I asked and was told only old rubber combinations, not newer. This is a quote from a website ( In addition, silicone fluid is affected by atmospheric pressure. When a silicone brake fluid-equipped vehicle is driven in high altitude conditions, the fluid can expand significantly — again contributing to a spongy pedal. Further to this, many of the rubber components used in brake systems are manufactured from “ethylene propylene rubber”. Some silicone fluids are not compatible with the “EPR” – causing them to expand)
I have and still use both DOT 3 and DOT 5. As stated silicone has some problems as far as leaks, spongy pedal, but for the most part I think we are good as far as the rubber that it attacks.
Steve

[STEVE O]

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