Date:         Wed, 29 Aug 2001 18:57:01 EDT
Reply-To:     JKrevnov@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rico Sapolich <JKrevnov@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Brake Fluid Change
Comments: To: Rubatoguy@mindspring.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 8/29/01 5:02:14 PM, Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM writes:

<< I think the key is to flush the system well.
From what I can tell, problems with DOT 5 do not show up for some time (years)
- and depend on how much residual water or old fluid is in the system. >>

Todd,

Take it from the plaintive Voice of Experience, flushing is not enough.
Years ago, I read that DOT 5 was better than sliced bread so I decided to
treat my CBX to some of it.  I could only find it at a speed shop and it cost
me $32 per quart which was not exactly a bargain in 1979 dollars.  I flushed
an entire quart through the small volume of that bike's brake system.  All
was fine with the world until the second riding season after I had done the
transfusion.  Then, the first time I clamped on the front brakes, they locked
up and would not release.  When I tore apart the calipers, the seals were
fine, but I found a new form of caa-caa which resembled soapstone in the seal
recesses where, apparently, some Dot 3 had remained.

If anyone really has to just have that silicone stuff, they better dismantle
every component part of the braking system for a thorough scrubbing with hot
soapy water.  Also, swab the ID of them there brake lines real good, Gomer.

Rich