Winter Maintenance
Checking brake system last week I discovered a lot of rust in Master Cylinder....I restored the car 10 years ago and never did flush brakes since.... DOT 3 is in the system now...No issues with calipers....Should I drain system and replace DOT 3 fluid or change out to Silicone fluid...Calipers are about 15 years old and are not leaking,working OK...I'm kinda worried about rust in the rest of the system.....RR caliper has some fluid discoloration,bleed fluid till clean.....I removed as much brake fluid out of the Master with a turkey baster....Any thoughts?...
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Re: Winter Maintenance
I am a proponent of DOT5 (Silicone fluid). I have had that in my 1970 for about 30 years with no issues. I did flush it once in that time and it is probably due again. There is probably no scientific reason to flush it, I just feel better doing so.
All that said, I did the change to DOT 5 when I overhauled the brake system and replaced all the seals and went to SS sleeved calipers. Based on SAE papers I have read it is important to remove all traces of glycol based fluid before changing to DOT5. This is easily done when overhauling/disassembling the complete system, not so much when just changing the fluid. I am also told that the materials used in the brake system seals today are not compatible with DOT5. I find that hard to believe since silicone is so inert, but the anecdotal information I have received comes from individuals in the hobby who I trust.
My recommendation is to flush your brake fluid with fresh DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 and enjoy your Corvette for another three years and then flush it again. Continue on that three year flush cycle.Terry -
Re: Winter Maintenance
We have had a lot of rain in Louisiana this year....the fluid was very rusty and I could not see the bottom of the master at all..Comment
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Re: Winter Maintenance
My daily drivers all have anti-lock brake systems. DOT 5 is not compatible with anti-lock brakes.
I remove the old brake fluid from the master cylinder, clean the MC reservoir with a lint free rag and refill it with DOT 4 (about $10 a quart at the local FLAPS). Then I open the bleeders and let gravity do the work. Watch the MC reservoir to be sure it doesn't go dry. Close bleeders when fluid runs clear, and top off the MC. Not a big deal if you do it like that. I do it every two years in the DDs.
My DDs do not have painted calipers so the brake fluid draining all over is no big deal. I spray some water on the calipers and suspension parts that have the brake fluid on them to wash it off. If your Corvette has painted calipers and or suspension components you will have to use a plastic hose over the bleeder screw. I do this in a shop with a lift and fluid catch pans. Brake fluid will kill weeds and makes and outstanding paint remover. Either feature can be avoided or used to your advantage as fits your situation.TerryComment
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