Review
of the brake fluid debate
The use of silicone brake fluid in classic car brake and clutch systems
as a replacement for the original glycol is a topic of interest to
V8 enthusiasts as we have seen from several V8NOTES issued in June
2001 and the brake fluids thread on the V8BB in November 2008. Whilst
it is clear that silicone fluid does have some very useful features
which can help reduce corrosion in brake systems, there are also reported
difficulties with rubber seals swelling when subject to a change of
brake fluid which have, in some cases, resulted in difficulties with
braking systems. But what is also clear is there are many factors
and many views from both V8 specialists and fellow enthusiasts based
on their practical experiences which need objective and dispationate
analysis. Based on what we have seen so far, the likely outcome could
continue to be inconclusive so classic car enthusiasts like V8 members
will have to make their own judgements and decisions on which fluid
to use in their car.
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Bob
Owen has offered to prepare a paper on the glycol-silicone brake
fluids topic with the aim of presenting the facts and the reported
observations and views of experienced motor engineering specialists,
together together with a dispationate analysis of the information
provided by commercial interests involved in each type of fluid and
rubber seals. Bob has experience of both glycol and silicone brake
fluids on MG T-Types and has an MGBGTV8 and an MGZTT190. He is also
a qualified electrical engineer. His report will be released on the
V8 Website as soon as it is available.
(5.12.08)
Which brake fluid?
An
article providing the information you need to make your own choice
prepared by Bob Owen. (22.1.09) More
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