I suppose Apple have no control over what's in or been in the rest of the
system. Ceterus paribus braking performance with silicone fluid is no
better than equivalent standard fluid but it was touted as a saviour of
hydraulic systems because it doesn't absorb water. This however doesn't
stop water damage because hydraulic systems must vent to atmosphere. It
means that water in the system collects in globules rather than being
absorbed. Either way it still turns into steam once the system heats up
and diminishes brake performance. My experience come from preparing racing
MkII Jaguars which really test brakes because they're heavy and the Dunlop
system isn't very efficient. You can buy up to DOT 6 standard brake fluid
and if you flush your brakes twice a year (as I do) you will obviate the
water absorption problems.
Any other queries, please revert.
Peter Westcott
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From: Scott Bullock <sbull@preferred.com>
To: spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: Silicon Brake Fluid
Date: Friday, 19 March 1999 14:32
The bugeye's body shell is off to the paint shop and I now turn my
attention to the brakes and other joys. The front had been converted to
disk at some point and I plan to to keep this conversion as the car is
fitted with a 1275 engine. I had planned all along to use silicon fluid
(DOT 5). The entire brake system is new so no problems with mixing
fluids. I bought remanufactured calapers from Apple Hydraulics. They
sent along a set of installation tips - cleaning bleeding,etc. but one
of these tips was to not use silicon fluid (voids quarantee)! Their
reasoning was that they receive many complaints from their customers
about various problems (srinking seals, swelling seals, etc.). I suspect
most if not all of these problems come from improper
instalation,cleaning,and contamination from incompatable fluids.
Has anyone else had experience with the Apple parts? The original A-H
workshop manual calls for "Lockheed Super Heavy Break Fluid" or other
fluid conforming to S.A.E 70 R.3 - What is the modern equal? Thanks
Scott
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