STOP STOP STOP! DON'T USE THE SILICONE FLUID UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THIS!
I rebuilt my '69 Midget practically from the ground up (mechanically that
is...the body is still a little rough)
I put in a new M/C, new calipers, new rotors, new wheel cylinders, new
drums, stainless braided flex lines. I had read all the hype about
silicone fluid...doesn't absorb water, very hi temp properties, won't mess
up paint. I thought it was the perfect solution, so I used it.
Well, it turns out that regular (dot 3 or 4 glycol) brake fluid works with
the natural rubber seals in our LBC brakes, makes them swell just the right
amount, and keeps them sealed. Silicone does not.
My silicone brake fluid leaked out of my calipers, not under braking
load...it just dripped out slowly when the car sat! Of course it soaked my
pads with silicone (very slippery stuff). When I tried to flush out the
system and put dot 4 fluid back in, it didn't work because all of the seals
were well coated with silicone (very tenacious stuff as well). I wound up
rebuilding the calipers myself, and replacing the pads. I put in dot 4
fluid and it works great. I won't use the stuff again until I get a good
explanation why I should.
I asked Norman Nock and his son about it...they both told me never to use
it. I wish I had asked before I used it!
ctp
At 7:40 AM -0800 12/29/97, James D Rowan wrote:
>Long story made short:
>Car in question: 60 Sprite with dual (braking/clutch) master cylinder.
>PO had accident with master cylinder during rebuild. Needless to say
>fluid spilled down fender eating paint leading into engine compartment.
>Currently, the MC no longer leaks but does have fluid buildup around the
>gasket making me nervous.
>
>I am debating what to do. I do have to get the fender repainted which
>necessates removal of the MC. So while at it I figure why not do a
>minor rebuild on the braking system and at the same time switch over to
>silicon fluid. Since I'm gonna haveta shell out $$ for paint I DO NOT want
>a repeat of this accident on nice fresh paint. As for the current state of
>the entire system, it was rebuilt 4 years ago. The lines are fine and
>there are no leaks in the system, stopping power is more than adequate.
>I would change out the rubber hoses for Stainless and
>throughly clean the lines. I am not looking for eyepopping stopping
>power, this car is not run hard. Can people who have done the
>change-over comment on their experiences (positive or negative) and, or
>point me in the direction of articles or reference sources.
>
>Much thanks,
>Jim Rowan
>60 Sprite.
|