Silicon Brake Fluid

GTVGEOFF

GTVGEOFF

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389
This is probably been discussed before, and I have done some research on the net, But thought you guys on here will give a sensible point of view!!! Has this stuff improved over the years?
I have changed every part of the brake system on my Montreal and wondered whether it might be a good idea to use the above. The car will not do a high mileage ( If I ever get it finished) so will be standing around a fair bit.
I hate with vengeance the Dot 4 because of the corrosive effect of it and the need for a regular change. So views on the pro's and con's please.
 
midlifecrisis

midlifecrisis

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16,236
Pro
it won't absorb water (non-hygroscopic)
won't damage your paint if you spill it.
Doesn't degrade therefore doesn't need to be changed if you have a glycol free system. So in your case, well worth doing.

Con
Costs more per litre but if you don't have to change it every other year then it's cheaper.
Is more compressible than glycol based systems, so will give a spongier feel.


I'm not sure about the heat characteristics but i would look at that too
 
Hawk13

Hawk13

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1,471
If you swap over to silicon Dot 5 (NB NOT the same as DOT 5.1) the generally accepted advice is to renew all of your braking system (pipe, cylinders, calipers etc.) or completely dismantle so you have thoroughly cleaned an flushed.

What problem are you trying to solve? If you want better braking feel, fluid alone is unlikley to make a tangible and long term difference. If you are boiling dot 4 on te track, try dot 5.1 .... which can be mixed with DOT 4.

For me, DOT5 is unecessary but does look pretty so I have it on my motorbikes as teh resevoir is visible.
 
Hawk13

Hawk13

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1,471
midlifecrisis said:
Pro
it won't absorb water (non-hygroscopic)
won't damage your paint if you spill it.
Doesn't degrade therefore doesn't need to be changed if you have a glycol free system. So in your case, well worth doing.

Con
Costs more per litre but if you don't have to change it every other year then it's cheaper.
Is more compressible than glycol based systems, so will give a spongier feel.


I'm not sure about the heat characteristics but i would look at that too
Click to expand...

DOT5.1 will not damage paint - I use this in my classics for that reason
 
midlifecrisis

midlifecrisis

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16,236
Oneball said:
Where does it say in there 5.1 won’t damage paint?
Click to expand...
This bit...

SILICONE BASED BRAKE FLUID:
The other option is Silicon based fluid. This type of fluid is non-hygroscopic, meaning it does not absorb any water. Often used in classic and vintage cars and military type vehicles because silicone based brake fluid will not corrode internal brake parts nor will it damage paint work.

and here... https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p/automec-silicone-brake-fluid-1-litre-sbf-10

That's why I said, best the OP tests an unseen area of his paint work with the Silicone Brake fluid, if he purchases it. Then he'll know for sure.
However, that said, how often do you liberally spray your paintwork with brake fluid? My personal choice would be to use silicone. Once it's in, it's in.
 
2b1ask1

2b1ask1

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20,277
nor will it damage paint work.....

Utter bo!!ocks. Once on paint silicone CANNOT be removed, it will migrate through the paint over time and will make it to the metal underneath, it will eventually detach the paint. Silicone on paint is a ticking time bomb, detailing products tried it for a while for that 'wet look' and have found this out to their cost.

Ask Mr Crud how I know!
 
RodTungsten

RodTungsten

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585
Traces of Silicone on some Al profiles I had powder coated recently caused angst (and a mess: = strip, re clean, re-coat). No idea yet where it came from.
 
GTVGEOFF

GTVGEOFF

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Messages
389
Thanks all for your input.
The car is being completely restored so all brake components are new or rebuilt.
The frond calipers have been upgraded to four pot. Bleeding brakes every year or so risks spillages and I always manage to get some on suspension and calipers, yes you can wash it off put it's a pain.
Newton makes a good point though regarding silicone.
The car will not be tracked and more a sunny days and Sundays car.
The con is that I would like to know is the pedal feel, I do not like a spongy pedal.
If I thought that would be the outcome I would not use it, otherwise I think it preferential.
The world of brake fluid doesn't seem to have moved on too much the last twenty years to me.
 
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