[DML] Re: Brake Fluid DOT 5

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dot 5 is slightly compressable because of the air that gets entrapped
in the fluid. On some cars it becomes an issue because of limited
brake pedal travel. On other cars the brakes have a lot of hoses and
the pedal is already spongy (like Deloreans). My recomnedation for
those considering converting to DOT 5 would be to replace the 4 hoses
with the braided metal ones. BTW you are not supposed to just drain
the old fluid out and dump the DOT 5 in. To do it properly you are
supposed to disassemble the system, flush with alcohol, and replace
the seals. Something best done at the time you rebuild a brake system.
Water is not dissolvable on DOT 5. If you do get moisture in it it
balls up, goes to the lowest point and rots the insides. It is best
used on a system that is COMPLETLY cleaned and there is NO water
present. It has become a very attractive alternative on many older
cars but you CANNOT mix it with any other fluid. You should replace
the sticker on the car with another saying to ONLY USE DOT 5. I do not
know how the rubber compounds used in the seals will react long-term
and if you will have to flush every 2 years or not. As good as DOT 5
is it doesn't seem too popular among the users of British cars. BTW
DOT 5 has a MUCH higher boiling point than DOT 4 so it should be a
much better fluid for any braking system. It does not absorb moisture
and that is what lowers the boiling point on other brake fluids. Keep
it away from anyplace you plan to do painting. Silicone contamination
is very insidious and difficult to get rid of. On the plus side if you
have a brake leak it won't melt the paint!
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757





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