Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2017 18:38:17 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Questions about brake bleeding
In-Reply-To: <0D874BF3-282D-4DEF-B8DD-DE4085A5043E@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Hi Eric,
There is a silicone based DOT 5 brake fluid that does not absorb water, but it's not intended for long term change intervals.
After trying DOT 5 fluid years ago in my MGB, I cannot recommend anything other than glycol based brake fluid, even though it absorbs moisture and needs to be changed every two years for maximum life of your braking system.
What I learned is that moisture can condense on the inside of the reservoir and collect on the bottom over time since it's not absorbed, which leads to water droplets in the system. From Wikipedia: "Polyethylene glycol fluids are hygroscopic and will absorb water from the atmosphere, which is necessary to prevent sheer and undiluted water in the braking system,[citation needed] which is very corrosive, also water droplets can freeze in the pipes, thus blocking the system."
The reservoir in my MGB is metal, making the condensation even worse. Silicone fluid is intended for racers that need a high boiling point brake fluid, not for long term change intervals.
You can use it, but unless you live in the desert change any brake fluid every two years.
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Eric Caron
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 2:13 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Questions about brake bleeding
Hi Stuart and others,
Considering the recent thread on coolant and the suggestion to change less with use of modern products is there a way to do the same with brake fluid?
Is there a updated fluid we can use in our vans and go more then two years?
I’m going on year 4 and am pretty sure no one suggested I do this even though I twice brought it in to VW mechanics and said I’d do whatever prevention they would recommend.
So, any improved longer life products out there correct for our vanagons?
Eric Caron
85 GL Auto
> On Apr 11, 2017, at 4:02 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> You just need 4-5 psi. Be sure you have enough fluid in the bottle to finish the job. If you have to add more when you crack the cap you'll bubble air into the fluid remaining and will need to wait several hours or toss it. Don't use aerated fluid!
>
> It's a great tool, and I have adapters for all my cars. Brake fluid should be changed every two years, and this makes it pretty easy.
>
> I've cut the hose on mine and put in a coupler. That way I can use it to pressurize the cooling system for leak checks @ 14psi.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of joe kallo
> Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 9:59 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Questions about brake bleeding
>
> Hi van people,
>
> I have two questions related to bleeding:
>
> 1. I have a new Motive Power Bleeder on its way to me (yay!) For those of
> you who use these, what PSI do you use on the van?
>
> 2. What order do you bleed? I have a manual so I'll be bleeding the clutch
> slave as well.
>
> Many thanks!
>
> Joe
