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DOT5 Brake Fluid bad for seals?
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Posted by: bbbom---------------------
Is it true that DOT 5 brake fluid will swell and that it can ruin the seals in my CR500 by eating them away?
The boys are telling me that I need to use DOT 4 instead.
Anybody know good or bad?
Posted by: IBWFO---------------------
DOT 5 is silicone brake fluid and is very specific in it's use. A lot of racers use it but you cannot mix it with DOT3 or 4, plus silicone does not have the ability to absorb moisture like DOT3/4 and will rust the inside of your brake system.
There is a new spec out called 5.1 that is not silicone and comes in the new KTM's. Use Motul 600 brake fluid and you won't go wrong.
Regards
Posted by: cujet---------------------
An accurate answer is, Silicone is inert and will not ruin seals. As a matter of fact, it will prolong the seals life, as it is a better lubricant than dot 3 or 4.
In the aircraft industry, we install "O" rings of all types with Dow Corning DC4. It is a silicone lubricant that is totally inert.This would be a good assembly lube if rebuilding the brakes and using silicone fluid.
Yes, silicone fluid will not absorb water, so regular bleeding is a good idea to prevent any water from pooling at the bottom of the caliper. Regular bleeding is necessary for exactly the same reason with conventional fluid, corrrosion! However, corrosion occurs whether or not the fluid absorbs the moisture. Your brake components will last longest if properly rebuilt first and silicone fluid is used. Regular fluid cannot prevent wear as well as silicone and does nothing to prevent corrosion.
I use silicone fluid in everything I own with fantastic results.
Chris
Posted by: John.T---------------------
NO!!!!
I have talked to MANY mechanics and they say DO NOY use dot 5, I think in my manual it even says not to use it!!!! The guys at the shop said that it does screw up systems in dirtbikes , and it makes a huge mess and it does ruin systems by plugging them up? I think sorry I wish I had more facts but I heard from so many people that I would never risk it!
Posted by: cujet---------------------
I was not clear on my methods. You must first totally flush out all fluid before using silicone fluid. If you choose not to do this you will have problems, as the two types of fluids do not play well.
A total flush of a brake system means either running a awful lot of silicone fluid through the system or total disassembly (prefered) and reassembly with silicone grease on the seals.
The fluid would not be DOT approved if it were problematic.
If a mechanic causes a problem by not performing a job correctly the blame generally lies with the product. Must every product be idiot proof?
In addition be careful not to introduce air into the system by shaking the can of silicone fluid before pouring it in!
If used as intended, it will function perfectly and extend the life of your brake components.
Silicone does not congeal, coagulate, thicken or dry out. It can only be contaminated by what is already in your brake system.:think
Chris
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