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Re: Brake Fluid

To: Tony Drews <tmccis@revealed.net>
Subject: Re: Brake Fluid
From: Jim Hayes <hayes@mediaone.net>
Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 22:04:41 -0400
As I remember it, the silicone fluids do not absorb moisture, so it
stays in bubbles, which become steam in high heat and cause major
problems. Mineral fluid absorbs the moisture and it simply lowers the
boiling temp but doesn't cause catastrophic problems.
Use Dot 4, AP Racing, Castrol LMA, whatever the best stuff you can get
from your brake pad supplier.
Change it at least once a year.
Jim

Tony Drews wrote:
> 
> I was told in a scientific manner that synthetic wasn't great for race
> applications.  We use DOT 4 rated fluid.  It's not nearly so nice on the 
>paint,
> but can tolerate heat pretty well.  Our brakes get hot enough to cook the 
>seals a
> couple of times a season.  I seem to remember the reasoning for synthetic 
>being
> bad is that it has some compressibility?  Maybe someone has a more scientific
> answer...
> 
> - Tony Drews
> 
> jdesanti@inficon.com wrote:
> 
> > Just curious, what is the best brake fluid for racing these days.  I supose
> > Vintage applications
> > are less critical as the events are shorter (just guessing) and the fluid 
>may
> > not get hot.
> >
> > I have had very good luck with synthetic.

-- 
Jim Hayes  Winchester, MA, USA
hayes@mediaone.net         http://www.fotec.com/jim/jim.htm
jeh@fotec.com              http://www.fotec.com/
All generalizations, with the possible exception of this one, are false!

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