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Rodsmith

My Olympic has poor brakes, but has silicon fluid in the system. I know that silicon won't eat the paint and cylinders should not rust. It is an expensive fluid and , as I will be removing cylinders and calipers etc to get better brakes, should I refill with silicon or not?

If not, then how do I clean out the brake pipes etc before I put the old type fluid into the system?

I have read that all rubber parts should be replaced when changing the type of fluid, is this right?

Who has practical experience of both types, well silicon really?

Rod

Paul Gething · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 7:45 am Post subject:

I have used silicon in both my Rochdale and in my single seat cars and not had any problem at all. I believe the main difference is that the boiling point of silicon is lower than 'normal' brake fluid.........Not too clever if you are trying to outbrake Hamilton at the hairpin on the final lap.

I have never noticed any difference on the brake pedals feel or 'hardness'.

You are right it doesn't eat paintwork and it isn't hydroscopic.......it doesn't attract and absorb water like 'normal' brake fluid.

I think cost is the main reason it isn't widely used.

Rodsmith · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 11:22 pm Post subject:

Thanks Paul. As silicon is in the system I will leave it in there as I don't know what will clean silicon out of the pipes.
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Paul Narramore · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 11:59 pm Post subject:

It sounds Rod that you have poor brakes and not poor brake fluid. Just look for the cause of their ineffectiveness - Worn pads or brake shows, incorrect adjustment, glazed discs or drums, worn flexible brake pipes, worn rubbers in the master cyclinder or slave cylinders, scored and grooved discs.

Rodsmith · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:14 am Post subject:

Unfortunately Paul, the whole system is new, but under-used, so I need to check calipers and cylinders first for seizing. My pedals are not original, but I am chasing a pair, and it could be that the angle of the existing pedals prevent me getting good foot contact and pressure. My query was whether to retain the silicon fluid whilst I was checking it all, or change back to glycol. If the fluids don't mix I need to find a way of cleaning the pipes and hoses if I do the change.

Rod
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" Stay lucky "

Paul Gething · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 9:01 am Post subject:

Rod,

The reason for the suggestion to change parts when changing the type of fluid is only relevant when changing from 'Glycol'...wasn't that used as a coolant in Merlin powered Spitfires?.......as corrosion may have started due to the water absorbed in the fluid.

Changing from silicon I would only wipe the rubber seals and flush through with cheap brake fluid......I would rather stay with silicon.