Stalterian(at)aol.com,Internet writes:
>Thanks for your reply about my brakes and tires.
>Ok, here's another question. I am a little intimidated about cleaning
>and
>disassembling the entire braking system and changing the lines. So, is
>it
>possible for me to forsake the DOT 5 fluid I now have in there and
>flush with
>Castrol GTLMA? I really don't want the rubber seals to eat away.
>Thanks.
>Paul Stalter
>http://www.oasisofjoy.com
I can only go by what I have read. If you have replaced DOT 3/4 with
DOT 5 without having disassembled the brake system and replaced the
lines then the damage is already done. You cannot completely get rid
of the old fluid without disassembling, replacing lines and cleaning
the components. What you now have is silicone mixed with a small
amount of DOT 3/4. If what I have read is true then your system will
not operate properly and you will never be able to bleed it all out.
Taking everything apart and replacing the lines is not as hard as it
sounds. I did my complete system in under six hours. I simply rebuilt
the master cyl, the wheels cyls and the calipers and replaced the
lines. I bought bulk line at my local auto parts shop (25') and bent
and flared (you will need a bubble flare tool) it myself (much of it
can be bent by hand). I had never replaced lines before, though I had
rebuilt the components before. I was amazed at how easy it really was.
Again, your rubber seals are not in danger if they are synthetic,
which most are. Only natural rubber presents a problem. But the point
is moot because you have mixed the fluids and the system must be torn
down and the lines replaced to be right no matter which fluid you wish
to use. If you have any concerns for your paint I suggest you keep the
DOT 5. However, if you have no such concerns then take it back to DOT
3/4. But again, you must disassemble the system and replace the lines.
Christopher
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