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Synthetic brake fluid...

Started by 1937 LaSalle coupe, July 21, 2012, 05:58:34 PM

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1937 LaSalle coupe

Hello everyone. Is synthetic brake fluid the same as silicone brake fluid? Going to change the fluid in my '37 and would like any feedback from anyone concerning which might be better...  Thanks ... John Lehman... CLC # 26365....

Mike Josephic CLC #3877

John:

Silicone brake fluid (DOT 5) is sometimes called "synthetic fluid".

I would not recommend using it in your LaSalle for a brake fluid
replacement unless you are prepared to change all wheel cylinders,
master cylinder, brake hoses, flush (or better change out) all brake
lines, etc.  Of course, if you have just completed a new restoration
of your entire brake system then it's not a problem.

This has been covered numerous times on the Forum.  Search under
"silicone brake fluid".  This is not an easy conversion.

In brief, the reason is that the rubber seals in your brake system, once
exposed to normal glycol-type fluid, will swell when you replace it with
silicone fluid and cause numerous leaks.

If you are doing a brake fluid change, use DOT 4, which is the newer
replacement for the older DOT 3 and both have the same base chemistry.

Mike
1955 Cadillac Eldorado
1973 Cadillac Eldorado
1995 Cadillac Seville
2004 Escalade
1997 GMC Suburban 4X4, 454 engine, 3/4 ton
custom built by Santa Fe in Evansville, IN
2011 Buick Lucerne CX
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Past: VP International Affiliates, Museum Board Director, President / Director Pittsburgh Region