brake fluid

[Andy Dunn]

Brake Systems: Oem & Racing Brake Technology
by Mike Mavrig1An, Mike Mavrigian, Larry W. Carley



Page 180
"We need to talk about DOT 5 silicone fluid to resolve some questions. DON'T USE IT FOR RACING. The only advantages of silicone fluid is the fact that it won't harm a painted surface, and that the fluid itself is non hydroscopic. That is why it is popular with restoration, show car and street rod folks. However, in terms of performance, this stuff can cause real problems. Silicone fluid can become very unstable at temperature, resulting in a low or ever changing pedal feel. On the race track, this is obviously not a good thing.

Engineer to Win: The Essential Guide to Racing Car MaterialsTechnology or How to Build Winners Which Don't Break
by Carroll Smith



Page 189
"the silicone brake fluids have made progress since PREPARE TO WIN. Some of them are now almost useable in racing cars - but not quite. They still have high frequency vibration frothing problems and they are still compressible at high temperatures, which it is why it takes a few laps for the pedal to get spongy when gullible people try to use silicones to race with. We replace all out brake fluid long before it has a chance to collect moisture so I have never understood why anyone would spend money for the silicone ones anyway."