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I have used silicone brake fluid in both the brake and clutch hydraulic
systems of a 122 wagon and also in the dual braking system of a 164, both for
almost 20 years. I have had to change the brake light switch in the 122
wagon (just yesterday, in fact - it didn't leak, just didn't make contact)
but the switch was at least as old as the DOT5 fluid.
I have had NO problems with the DOT5 fluid and in fact have not even had to
put in a cylinder/caliper kit in the 122 brake system over that 15 years.
I did have to replace the clutch master cylinder on the 122 but I believe
that I got grit into it somewhere along the way. That was last spring, btw,
also after 15 years.
No problems with the 164 either. I put in the DOT5 when I replaced the
master cylinder in about 1987 and flushed out the lines and calipers but
have not replaced any rubber components except the brake booster, which
is not supposed to be exposed to fluid.
I was involved in testing silicone brake fluid for the army in a wide variety
of vehicles in Panama back in the early 80s and conclude that it is one of
the greatest boons to brake systems in humid environments that there has ever
been. No evidence whatever of any water contamination of any part of the
systems.
I have heard claims that "since water doesn't mix with DOT5 it will settle
to the bottom of components because it is denser than DOT5." I suppose if
you deliberately introduced water into the system that might eventually
happen but since it is hydrophobic (like wax) water is not attracted to it
like it is to the alcohol in conventional brake fluids, so the problem only
exists if the system is contaminated by water. My guess is that even then,
unless there were a large amount of water, it would be completely surrounded
by the DOT5, with its very low surface tension, while water, having high surface
tension, would probably remain in spherical drops or tiny beads.
The one problem you might have with DOT5 is air entrainment. Air bubbles don't
come out as easily so you don't want to shake it or handle it roughly.
If you do get tiny air bubbles entrained in your system they will make your
brake pedal soft. I have exercised reasonable care and have never had this
problem.
So I'd say, "Go for it!"
--
George Downs, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Central US
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