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brakes => all brake related topics => Topic started by: andy on March 19, 2013, 11:31:40 AM

Title: which brake fluid to use
Post by: andy on March 19, 2013, 11:31:40 AM

What are you guys using for brake fluid?
Just finished rebuilding the whole brake system and starting fresh

Andy

Title: Re: which brake fluid to use
Post by: HenryVIII on March 19, 2013, 03:38:57 PM

I am doing the same thing. starting from scratch. I am going to use dot5 (silicone based) mostly because it will not damage the paint.
Henry   

Title: Re: which brake fluid to use
Post by: andy on March 19, 2013, 03:59:47 PM

I was thinking that but,,,, is it compatible with the seals etc from the old days?

Quote from: HenryVIII on March 19, 2013, 03:38:57 PM

I am doing the same thing. starting from scratch. I am going to use dot5 (silicone based) mostly because it will not damage the paint.
Henry

Title: Re: which brake fluid to use
Post by: HenryVIII on March 19, 2013, 04:23:30 PM

Im not sure. but if you Are using all new seals it should not matter. I was told by a friend that was a mechanic in the army in the 50's, that the military has been using silicone fluid for a long time. I can not prove that however.  I think brake fluids can be interchanged, but they should never be mixed. 

Henry

Title: Re: which brake fluid to use
Post by: Outsider on March 19, 2013, 07:22:54 PM

If you mix 3 and 5 you get to start over on your brake system. So always label your vehicles it if you use different fluids in different vehicles.

As far as what you can use. You should be able to use either 3 or 5 and be ok. They both work with the same seal materials, they just don't mix.

Steve

Title: Re: which brake fluid to use
Post by: Hinrik on March 20, 2013, 07:01:00 PM

Guys,

What about the NOS rebuild kits for the hydrovacs? I rebuilt mine using a NOS kit and I am worried
that if I use new type of fluid it will wear out the old rubber seals?

Reg

Hinrik

Title: Re: which brake fluid to use
Post by: gab on March 20, 2013, 07:51:56 PM

I have a 36 dodge that I did the brakes on in 85 it sat from 94 till last year. One of the wheel cylinders leaked all of the fluid out, I opened the master cylinder up expecting a hole full of rust, it was like new. I used silicone, it repels moisture and does not hurt the paint, dot 3 absorbs moisture and we all know what it does to paint, I will never go back.        Greg

Title: Re: which brake fluid to use
Post by: Tapper02 on February 17, 2025, 12:29:47 PM

Can anyone tell me where to find the capacity of the brake system?  Can't seem to find it in any of the TMs, or the Operator's Manual...maybe I'm overlooking it.  Thanks!

Title: Re: which brake fluid to use
Post by: Jesse on February 17, 2025, 05:10:54 PM

I dont know the exact amount, but I know it’s less than a quart.

Title: Re: which brake fluid to use
Post by: Tapper02 on February 17, 2025, 05:49:38 PM

Quote from: Jesse on February 17, 2025, 05:10:54 PM

I dont know the exact amount, but I know it’s less than a quart.

Thanks Jesse....starting from a dry system and was trying not to over purchase.