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| | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 32 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 32 | What brake fluid is recommended for a 1946 3/4T chevy, we have replaced all the lines and flexible hoses and replaced the wheel cylinders and the master cylinder. Just want to make sure I use the right fluid to prevent breakdown of the rubber seals inside the wheel cylinders. Thanks  | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 |
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 32 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 32 | | | | | | Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 583 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 583 | I used Silicon Brake Fluid in my 39 3/4 ton. It's been at least 15 years since. Have had no problems. Anyone else out there have comments about using Silicon?
1939 Chevrolet Stake Truck
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 201 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 201 | Used it on my '69, put it in nearly 15 years ago as well, they still work like a champ. Now that I write that, even silicone that old is probably due for a flush.
Last edited by The Green Farmer; 11/25/2011 6:10 PM.
'69 1/2T stepside, Sea Foam Green, 250 L6 w/ 3 on the tree, not an option on it, in the family since new.
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | If you use silicone (dot5) you need to absolutly sure that all of the rubber components are compatible with it. Most automotive brake system rubber parts are intended for use with glycol based fluid only (dot 3, 4, 5.1). Incompatability can lead to failure of the brake system. As long as the parts are compatible with dot 5, there shouldn't be any problems using it.
My personal opinion is to use what the vehicle calls for. This comes from my own experience with dot 5. I jumped on the dot 5 bandwagon after reading about how it doesn't hold moisture and was good for older vehicles. I used it in the '55 when I rebuilt the brakes, all new hydraulics and rubber parts. It performed alring, pedal feel was decent. Then I started noticing a small puddle under the truck that wasn't oil. turned out the silicone fluid was not compatible with the rubber in my brake system, causing it to leak. I contacted the manufacturer, they informed me that none of their automotive brake parts are dot 5 approved. After changing out the rubber parts and installing dot 3, no problems since. To my knowlege, the only company that made dot 5 compatible parts was EIS, who is no longer in business.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | I have silicone brake fluid in my Suburban - no problems in 8 years. All parts in the brake system were new and I checked with the manufacturers of all rubber parts about silicone compatibility (that was an interesting undertaking).
Do not even consider using silicone fluid with any rubber part that has already been used with other non-silicone brake fluid.
I'll be using regular brake fluid in the trucks I am now restoring. I'll just bleed them every other year (when I'll adjust the shoes).
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