Thanks, i am doing a complete overhaul, new seals etc. I will drain system of all old fluid.Silicone, so you may be stuck with it, depending on what has been replaced.
Hi folks, just doing a complete overhaul of my Caravelle brakes and just wondering if there are any tips on brake fluid type.
I have always used Dot 5 but thought i would ask just in case.
Thanks everyone
From memory so i may well be wrong - BelRay say that their stuff is ok with ABS? The general answer i got for not using Silicone in ABS is that it is more compressible than Dot 4, 5.1 etc. Don't know if there are 'rubbers' or seals inside the ABS that may not be compatible? Never dismantled one.DOT 5 is silicone & DOT 5.1 is NOT silicone & they do not mix.
I love DOT 5 for all the reasons previously stated & the need to not flush every couple of years.
Be aware DOT 5 [silicone] should NOT be used in systems that incorporate a hydrovac or ABS.
I think that might be it. You do have to be careful in handling and pouring it gently in my practical experience. I don't believe what is written about compressibility at all, but aeration is certainly an issue and would impart compressibility. I've seen the warnings about vacuum assist but have never seen an explanation of why.DOT 5 can aerate, which the ABS manufacturers deprecate. Instead of absorbing water like the others, it absorbs air.
That makes sense to me! Thanks. Happily no hydrovac on the 1964 R8.....A leaking hydrovac master cylinder will cause burning of brake fluid & silicone becomes sand & will wreck your engine, tout suite.
As far as the ABS unit read the owners manual it'll tell you not to use DOT5.
The ABS rapidly applies & releases brakes & this causes silicone fluid to foam & the result is the same as air in brake fluid. Not what one wants on any braking system.
That is SO interesting. I've just vacuum bled the R8 and have the best "pedal" I can remember for years. The key hint from me is very heavy silicone grease on the bleed nipple threads so it doesn't suck air past them. Thank you Mr A.Another thing:
If one chooses to use Dot 5 after a rebuild or full flush DO NOT pump bleed. Vacuum or pressure bleed, only.
Pump bleeding aerates the silicone fluid & makes for a soft pedal.