Synthetic Brake Fluid

[Ringmaster]

Hi all!

Has/does anyone out there use synthetic brake fluid? The silicone stuff? Recommend it?

I've read how it's good for the life of the car etc., but just how clean has your brake system got to be before using the stuff? If there is a little of the old brake fluid in there does it ruin the lot?

The reason I ask is, if it's so good, used by the US military etc, why aren't more people using it today?

[4v6]

From what i remember of it, its a pita to get the bubbles out the system with this stuff.
I think you have to start with an as new system as well, dry i think so as to have no contamination with it.
Cant say i fancy having to strip all the brakes down and flush them dry before i change the fluid.....

Its used because it dosent absorb moisture from the atmosphere like the usual mineral fluids, dosent corrode components should it leak, and has a very high boiling point so it can take a lot of abuse.

Racing usage for sure, but road use....hmmm seems like a lotta bother.

[Gaz]

i've been thinking of using this myself.. for the above reasons.

But i've read about people upgrading to braided hoses at the same time, but i don't know if a hose upgrade is a 'must' tho when using 5.1? (if thats what its called)

I also wondered if i could put it in the clutch system as well?? Anybody know?

[Gordon WR]

Do not use it as the stuff will attack the rubber seals and cause them to swell.

Not recommended by Girling or Lockhead.