Dot 5 is not really intended for racing applications. It's great for any
system that you don't want to mess with because it's not hygroscopic like
other fluids (or at least not as aggressive at adsorbing water) and it won't
screw up paint. But the boiling point is relatively low, and it can be very
hard to get all the air out. The _manufacturers_ don't recommend it for
racing applications.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-fot@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-fot@autox.team.net] On Behalf
Of Charly Mitchel
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 7:35 AM
To: Dave Riddle; wheeltowheel@wheeltowheel.com; fot@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Dot 3, 4, 5 or 5.1
I started about 15 years ago and replace the fluid in my triumph Bonneville
with DOT 5 silicone and it worked fine. The next car I changed it on was my
wife's Series III XJ6 when I did a complete brake job on that car, no
problems. I then restored my 77 MGB and used it on that car and no problem.
Several years ago I decided to do the brakes on my E-type and I flushed the
system (E-types have 2 master cylinders) with about 3 quarts of alcohol and
then filled and purged the system with DOT 5, works great. 2 years ago when
I built the TR6 race car I used DOT 5 and have had no problems ( I installed
uprated axels up front). Last year I restored an Austin America for my
daughter and the brakes are fine!
I've had very good luck with DOT 5 silicone and think the key is to having
the system free from any other fluids, and would always recommend flushing
with alcohol if necessary. I'm concerned about why someone is stating to
stay away from it for racing. What is the problems associated with racing
that would not be good for DOT 5? Or is this based on one persons
experience? I've heard the stories of the brakes binding up when switched
to DOT 5, but I think these are due to error on the part of the installer or
a problem that already existed in the braking system. Just my opinion and
I've got DOT 5 in everything except my LR Disco because I don't know if it's
compatible with anti-lock pumps or not.
Charly Mitchel
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Riddle" <dave@microworks.net>
To: <wheeltowheel@wheeltowheel.com>; <fot@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 5:16 PM
Subject: Dot 3, 4, 5 or 5.1
> One of our local Triumph Club members is just finishing a resto job on
> his TR3 and is pondering which brake fluid to go with. The system has
> been either replaced or completely flushed so there is no issue of
> going with
DOT 5.
>
> Which do you guys recommend? Or why "not" to use a particular fluid.
>
> This is for a non-racing application.
>
> Thanks!
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