65 brake fluid

[Joseph P.]

I had to rebuild the brakes in my 65. Do I have to use a special brake fluid? I see on the lid of the fluid resevoir a # for a specific fluid and I'm not sure if this is the preferred one or even if it is available somewhere. I have been on the net but haven't seen anything on this.

[Jack H.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

No, nothing special... Ordinary DOT 3 rated fluid (or DOT 4, slightly higher boiling point) gets the job done A-OK!

[Joseph P.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

Thank you Jack, I appreciate the info. My car was in the shop getting painted when the brakes gave way. Joe

[Twan B.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

I've done this job a few years ago and also used dot 4, i also use Ate grease/paste for the rubber boot and calipers www.ContiTeves-AM.com

Twan

[Richard C.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

Twan, I use CASTROL GT lma castrol part#504g

[Michael M.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

Joseph if you have all the fluid out of the system you can use silicon brake fluid. It helps keep down the moisture in the system. I use dot #5 and I think they have silicon brake fluid that you can combine with regular brake fluid.

[John H.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

It helps keep down the moisture in the system. I use dot #5 and I think they have silicon brake fluid that you can combine with regular brake fluid.

DOT5 silicone fluid also entrains moisture, but water and DOT5 fluid aren't miscible - the heavier water just collects at the lowest points in the system.

I'm not aware of any DOT5 silicone brake fluid that's compatible with conventional DOT3/DOT4 glycol-based brake fluid. The new DOT5.1 fluid that is compatible with DOT3/DOT4 fluid isn't silicone - it's glycol-based.

[Dan D.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

I have all new brakes - lines and all in my 57 and I was all set to use DOT 5. But then White Post Restorations rebuilt my master cylinder and told me if I used DOT 5 it would void the warranty. Billy said DOT 5 has been found to attack some grades of rubbers and lock up the brakes. Seeing how I have Chinaman wheel cylinders I decided against it and bought DOT 3. Sounds a little bit like the Ethanol problem. What's a poor fella to do here? Does anyone have more knowledge on this? It was one of the questions on my list to ask you experts. Thanks, -Dan-

[John H.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

I have all new brakes - lines and all in my 57 and I was all set to use DOT 5. But then White Post Restorations rebuilt my master cylinder and told me if I used DOT 5 it would void the warranty. Billy said DOT 5 has been found to attack some grades of rubbers and lock up the brakes. Seeing how I have Chinaman wheel cylinders I decided against it and bought DOT 3. Sounds a little bit like the Ethanol problem. What's a poor fella to do here? Does anyone have more knowledge on this? It was one of the questions on my list to ask you experts. Thanks, -Dan-

Dan -

Billy has always been paranoid about DOT5 fluid. It may be an issue with old NOS cups and seals, but it certainly isn't with modern materials.

[Mike M.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

Dan -

Billy has always been paranoid about DOT5 fluid. It may be an issue with old NOS cups and seals, but it certainly isn't with modern materials.

totally agree with john assesment of billy.been on many tours to white post and haven't ever seen grease under billys fingernails.mike

[Harry S.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

Dot 5 gave me a different feel in the pedal, it's ok. I like it as it will not dissolve the paint.

[Gary S.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

I have been using Dot 5 for several years with no issues. I understand it is the only one that won't attack paint. I tested it before using by pouring some on an old fender and let stand over night...no problem. Clumsy people like me should use it. As for what is in the master cylinder, judges don't look in there. Gary

[Jim L.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

Make of this what you will. This is a photo of a 20+ year old wheel cylinder which, since new, had nothing but silicone fluid in it. I think it's in pretty nice shape:




Jim

[Jim D.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

I've used silicone fluid in many cars for many years and have never had a problem. Since it had been 25+ years since the brake hoses on my 1960 were replaced, I was bored and decided it was time. During the install, I looked at my wheel cylinders and they were exactly like Jim posted above, still brand new. No need to say more.

[Duke W.]

Re: 65 brake fluid

I have all new brakes - lines and all in my 57 and I was all set to use DOT 5. But then White Post Restorations rebuilt my master cylinder and told me if I used DOT 5 it would void the warranty. Billy said DOT 5 has been found to attack some grades of rubbers and lock up the brakes. Seeing how I have Chinaman wheel cylinders I decided against it and bought DOT 3. Sounds a little bit like the Ethanol problem. What's a poor fella to do here? Does anyone have more knowledge on this? It was one of the questions on my list to ask you experts. Thanks, -Dan-

Try the archives. This issue has been thoroughly hashed out a dozen times.

Duke