Date:         Mon, 6 Aug 2001 10:40:39 -0700
Reply-To:     T Berk <tberk@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         T Berk <tberk@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: Synthetic brake fluid Q?
Comments: To: Oxroad@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Jeffrey R wrote:
>
> I'm running DOT 4 brake fluid  in my Vanagon brake system. While looking for
> DOT4 at Pep Boys I found none. But I see major brand names of brake fluid now
> offer this synthetic brake fluid that "exceeds" DOT3 and DOT4 standards
> (thereby being OK for these applications) and says it will mix with both
> DOT3 and DOT4 with no problem. (making it different than silcone brake fluid
> which cannot be mixed with standard brake fluid, I think.)
>
> Anyone have experience with this stuff at all or in a Vanagon. Comments...
>
> TIA
> Jeff
> 83.5 Westy
> LA,CA


I have been using the Valvoline Synth Brake Fluid in my Scirocco
(non-Vanagon content). I switched the brake lines to stainless steel and
my bud came over with his flare wrenches and DIY power bleeder.

I have read that the stuff can be mixed with conventional fluid so I
went with it thinking at worse it might expose a leaky piston or two
which I would rebuild as needed.

I have since taken the car from the SF Bay Area and half way across
Nevada and back through the mountains in 90F+ heat without fade nor
leaks. (BTW- I didn't even change the pads or rotors yet. ;] )

So, all in all it gets a partial thumbs up as it has worked as
advertised and done no wrong, so far.

Lastly, I was at my favorite local parts place and asked if they had it
but all they knew about was SILICONE thinking it was Synthetic. (Nope)
But they would investigate carrying it in the future.

So far, so good.
TBerk