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Posted by Desoto61 [66.75.39.216] on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 23:00:17 :
In Reply to: Brake fluid question... posted by Steve in NJ [68.196.64.155] on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 19:40:57 :
First I've seen the stuff Paul suggested. Looks like a good choice for performance. Wonder if it absorbs moisture like DOT 3?
The advantages of silicon based DOT 5 are that it doesn't absorb moisture so it's less likely to allow corrosion in the brake system and doesn't need to be changed (at least not as much). It's also easier on painted surfaces.
However, it's expensive, it has a lower boiling point, it's not compatible with DOT3/4 so all rubber items need to be flushed or new before switching, and it's more prone to trapping air which can make for a spongy pedal and tough time bleeding.
The lower boiling point and tendency to trap air are why it's not used in modern cars. Disk brakes run too hot and ABS systems will aerate the fluid.
If you're good about maintenance then I'd stick with a good DOT3 fluid or Paul's 5.1 synthetic, I've seen some other synthetics too. You can get it anywhere and it performs the best.
If the thought of bleeding the brakes makes you run screaming, or it will see very little use I'd be OK using DOT5 silicon fluid.