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Walrus and JohnMc both have very valid points. A few more and a plug
"Brake grease" as used inside component assemblies is NOT hygroscopic. It is silicone based (surprise!).
Plug: I've used silicone (DOT 5) for many years (before DOT 4 was widely available) and have been nothing but happy. It is COMPLETELY inert so it is compatable with anything.
Caveats/points.
It will not mix with any other type of fluid, i.e. they will separate in the line/cylinders somewhere. Not a particular problem but neither will water mix and the "blobs" of water or water saturated "other" fluid can cause local corrosion if not bled out (eventually). It can be bled out over time (like months) or until you are happy it is all out.
It is prone to entraining air bubbles. If the brake system has any air in it, the bleeding is done with too much vigor, or the system has both high volume of flow and small lines (high velocity) a soft pedal can result and the bubbles are a major pain to get out. The only real way to accomplish it is to be VERY patient. Pour slow and with as little vertical drop as possible. Bleed out major air then let system sit 24 hours. Bleed out remainder of bubbles.
DOT 5.1 seems to be a better fluid for people "on the go" as it can be added to top-up a system or at the semi-annual flush very easily. DOT 5 is good for us who like to "fix and forget" which is a mis-nomer as you can NEVER turn your back on a mechanical system.
Mike!
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