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My latest Volvos are a 69 164 and a 73 145, although the brakes are
pretty similar, I think, and certainly the potential problems are the
same.
I started using DOT 5 silicone brake fluid in Panama after being involved
in testing it for the Army. In my experience, it effectively eliminates
corrosion in the hydraulic system because it does not entrain water out
of the atmosphere. It will eventually cause some rubber parts to soften,
although this typically takes 10-15 years and is no worse a problem than
with other brake fluids. You need to purge your system well to get the
old fluid out (as well as corrosion products and other contaminants,
most of which are the result of moisture intrusion and decomposition/
polymerization products of the old brake fluid). Also, if you find that
your DOT 5 fluid has bubbles in it, be careful NOT to pour them into
your master cylinder because once in your brake system they are hard to
get out and will make your brakes spongy. Likewise DO NOT SHAKE the
bottle of fluid. Use a pressure device for bleeding. This can reduce
the time you spend bleeding brakes by 90% or more. Pumping and bleeding
can be an endless job!
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George Downs Bartlesville, Oklahoma
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