[TR] Brake Fluid for TR3A

Randall TR3driver at ca.rr.com
Sat Sep 9 00:35:18 MDT 2017


There is no clear consensus on brake fluid.  Some of us love DOT 5 silicone,
others hate it.

But I do recommend that you find out what you have before topping up; and
also look for where it is leaking.  Since this is a single circuit braking
system, it only takes one leak to rob you of all hydraulic brakes.  Not a
good feeling, especially when you're going downhill into an underground
parking garage, and the handbrake is also broken!

Also, if you don't have DOT 5, any other brake fluid will eat paint promptly
and promote rust.  And any of them will ruin the rear brake shoes if it gets
on them.

If you do use one of the non-silicone formulas, you also shouldn't keep an
old can of it.  They suck moisture directly from the air, once the can has
been opened, and start getting old.  That's why you should always open a new
can; and change it in your braking system every few years, even if you don't
drive the car.  (Just one of the many reasons I like DOT 5, it doesn't suck
<g>)

Here is a good article (IMO) on the pros & cons of DOT 5
http://www.buckeyetriumphs.org/technical/Brakes/Fluid/Fluid.htm
If you are a glutton for punishment, you can also find the SAE papers that
it references here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2H2NJt34OffdnhWS19scjlNUU0

Of all the TR3s I've driven and owned, only my current "barn find" 56 needed
lead (substitute).  I eventually changed the head, and now I don't use lead.
My previous TR3A engine went well over 100,000 miles without ever having
lead added.

-- Randall
 



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