Preparation for new caliper installation on my 67

[Craig S.]

Well, I know this question of Silicone versus regular brake fluid has been disscussed exhaustively here before, but now I am at the point on my 67 where I have the new calipers back from Vette Brakes (I waited forever to get the correct castings, and have them assembled with their control numbers inside with no grinding on the external castings for NCRS correct appearance). I opted for the O-ring calipers based on Patrick and Joe's suggestions, and I also have my original DC with bleeders master cylinder at Apple Hydraulics, heading back next week. I know Duke makes a very strong point about having absolutely NO Dot 3 fluid in the system if you change to Dot 5....so if I make this change, I would need to flush my brake lines in the car. I would assume that by using a pressureized can of brake cleaner with the red tube installed and sticking it in each circuit, and flushing from the master cylinder feeds down until the pipes run clean at each corner would suffice if I then blow clear with an air hose. Is this sufficent for the lines? I will be assembling the master cylinder myself when it gets back from Apple, but the calipers have been assembled by Vette Brakes. Is the residual Dot 3 used to asseble them at VB too much without stripping? I assume theier testing is with compressed air versus fluid.

Any thoughts are welcome, I may just use Dot 3 (or is it now Dot 4) fluid and change the fluid at regular intervals. I am NOT looking forward to bleeding!! ...Craig

[Clem Z.]

Re: Preparation for new caliper installation on my

i do not understand the reason for not using DOT 3 or 4 as my PU truck is 14 years old and has the same old brake fluid and piston seals that the general shipped it out the door with. i never open the MC so very little moisture gets in. when we build new race cars we pressure bled lots of fluid thru the systems to get out the moisture. some race car builders use alcohol to remove the moisture. after finished with the assy of the brake system never let it set open with no fluid in it. JMHO

[Craig S.]

Re: Preparation for new caliper installation on my

Clem - I am not against using glycol fluid, I am probably leaning that way. Plus, I live in a dry climate, which should make it all the better. I just figured I am at the point to decide between the two. But from posts here ( I think by Duke and others) I had read that brake fluid does require periodic flushing and changing, glad to hear you have had such luck with your vehicle without. I am always careful to cap my fluid tightly and not leave the systems open. I will probably just go with Dot4 fluid....thx!...Craig

[Clem Z.]

Re: Preparation for new caliper installation on my

if you do want to change the fluid just get a pressure bleeder and it will take very little time. goto http://www.motiveproducts.com/index.htm for a low price version.

[Craig S.]

Re: Preparation for new caliper installation on my

Clem - that looks like a good unit for the price. I have a Phoenix MaxJect Pro from the link below.....does a great job too...


Phoneix Systems