[E-Type] Brake fluid recommendation

I’ve had some bad luck in the past with dot 5 silicon brake fluid
in an XK120. I could not seem to hold pressure and ended up
switching to dot 3. With my e-type, however, I would like to get it
right the first time. What type of hydraulic brake fluid is
recommended for a Series 2 with completely rebuilt brakes and all
new lines?–
gareth morgan
muncie .Indiana, United States
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In reply to a message from gareth morgan sent Mon 6 Jun 2005:

Gareth,
With ayn braking system, by far the most important thing is
changing the fluid regularly - at least every 2-3 years - and
flushing it thoroughly when you do. If you do that, there is
really no advantage to silicone fluid, other than it does not
attack paint, which also should not be a concern if your system is
properly maintained. Silicone fluid has several down sides.
First, it does absorb moisture from the air, just like regular
brake fluid, but when it does, it collects in one place, rather
than remaining in suspension, as happens with regular fluid. This
will often be in the calipers, which is the worst place for it.
Also, silicone fluid is more compressible than DOT4 or DOT4, so
will give a spongier feel to the pedal. Swelling of seals is
another common problem, requiring rebuild of all hydraulics.
Personally, I use a good synthetic (Valvoline), and would not mess
with silicone. Too many people have had problems with it, and I
really see no advantages to its use in the real world.–
Ray Livingston - '64 OTS Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz, CA, United States
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In reply to a message from Ray Livingston sent Mon 6 Jun 2005:

I agree with Ray. IMHO do not go anywhere near silicone.
My S-2 had brake ‘‘sticking on’’ problems with a completely renewed
system till I switched from Dot 5.

Valvoline synthetic is what I use as well. Inexpensive and
available on sale at ‘‘Advantage Auto’’ for $4. Cheap enough for
yearly flushing!

Dave
1969 OTS–
David Ahlers
Skaneateles, NY, United States
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In reply to a message from gareth morgan sent Mon 6 Jun 2005:

Gareth I got my 66-E in 1970, by far, the biggest problem was
brakes. I re-sleeved and refilled with silicone fluid and I haven’t
had a brake problem since, that was 33 years ago! Finished the
restro on my 68 ots 10 years ago, here again, re-sleeved, S/S lines
and silicone fluid, 0 problems! As for a softer pedal, I never
noticed it, although I don’t do any hard driving, I strongly agree
with replacing the fluid. Dan–
Daniel Bierbrauer
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In reply to a message from Daniel Bierbrauer sent Mon 6 Jun 2005:

Maybe I’m old fashioned, but personally I like using Castrol LMA
for the brakes and clutch, for regular street use and even moderate
autocrossing and track use. If you are doing extensive racing, go
for one of the high temp racing brake fluids. LMA is perfectly
fine for virtually any use, is fully compatible with every part of
the system, and is readily available at almost any auto parts
store. As with any brake fluid, the brakes should be bled
periodically (I prefer once a year, but most say every 2 years).
Terry Lippincott put silicone in my new '69 OTS, but I’m probably
going to bleed it out and replace it with LMA some time before the
fall.–
The original message included these comments:

Gareth I got my 66-E in 1970, by far, the biggest problem was
brakes. I re-sleeved and refilled with silicone fluid and I haven’t
had a brake problem since, that was 33 years ago! Finished the
restro on my 68 ots 10 years ago, here again, re-sleeved, S/S lines
and silicone fluid, 0 problems! As for a softer pedal, I never
noticed it, although I don’t do any hard driving, I strongly agree
with replacing the fluid. Dan

Daniel Bierbrauer


Steve Weinstein
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IMO—only-----use if (silicone) and be happy. I have used it in my Healey
and E-type for years. For normal driving—even it the Alps, it worked
perfectly. Yes–I know it needs changing occasionally.

Regards
tom

[Original Message]
From: David Ahlers david.ahlers@brp.com
To: e-type@jag-lovers.org
Date: 6/6/05 2:23:30 PM
Subject: Re: [E-Type] Brake fluid recommendation.

In reply to a message from Ray Livingston sent Mon 6 Jun 2005:

I agree with Ray. IMHO do not go anywhere near silicone.
My S-2 had brake ‘‘sticking on’’ problems with a completely renewed
system till I switched from Dot 5.

Valvoline synthetic is what I use as well. Inexpensive and
available on sale at ‘‘Advantage Auto’’ for $4. Cheap enough for
yearly flushing!

Dave
1969 OTS

David Ahlers
Skaneateles, NY, United States
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