Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 13:49:05 -0700
Reply-To: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject: Re: Brake Fluid Change
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I wouldn't use DOT 5.
DOT 5 will impart a slightly spongy feel to the brake pedal.
DOT 5 *may* be incompatible with some seals - you will know when they fail.
DOT 5 is not compatible with DOT 3, 4, or 5.1 fluids and when mixed will form a precipitate (aka gunk)
DOT 5 requires that the entire brake system be purged and cleaned of DOT 3,4,or 5.1 fluid before using.
DOT 5 does not mix with water. Any water that enters the brake system will migrate to the lowest point in the
system (usually the brake calipers) and cause corrosion.
If you were interested in DOT 5 because of the higher boiling point than DOT 3 or 4, use DOT 5.1 (sometimes
called super 4) instead. DOT 5.1 is glycol-based. Unfortunately DOT decided to give it the designation 5.1
which of course, confuses many people.
From what I understand all DOT 5 (silicone) fluid is purple. I'd stay away from the purple stuff.
Todd
'88 Vanagon
Michael aka ECHO wrote:
> I have a common sense question about DOT 5 Silicon based
> fluid...
> Uhm, working around vehicles, unless specified, due to seals;
> doesn't DOT 5 eat rubber seals (with milk in the morning..)
> All I do know from hands on experience with customer's vehicles:
> DON'T MIX DOT 5 with conventional brake fluids. I have already
> had to rplaces most of a customer's brake system. I would hate
> to ever see a Vanagona t the shop because of someone not reading
> a label.
> On a side note; It's great to see when a vanagon does come in
> tot he shop. Only cause 90% are so well taken care of. Mostly
> they come in for something that can be a pain in the butt to do
> at home. Such as, changing out the CV axels.
> 13 Vanagons spotted in my neck of the woods and counting.
> Also, had to go down the hill to get parts, saw a beautiful blue
> GL model near an 84 just cruising along passing ppl. I would
> estimate the speed atleast 70 mph. (0:
> Michael
>
> =====
> MY first VW!
> 1980 Vanagon L "D'Arius"
> LOOK a picture!!!http://www.geocities.com/echo207/vanagon.html
> Need any general computer help? Computer blonde? E-mail:
> echo207@excite.com and I will see what I can do to help.
> And a DEAD 84 buick Skylark (Going to see if I can jump the California Aqueduct before this Christmas....)
> 78 Toyota Corona
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Yahoo! Messenger
> http://phonecard.yahoo.com/
| 
