[Off topic] ABS & synthetic brake fluid

[G. Scott Ponton]

 I work with DOT 5 often when doing restorations etc. It works very well, in
particular in vehicles which see limited driving time or severe braking. I
have never noticed a problem with loss of pressure or a spongy feel either
unless there was air in the system. Last I heard you can't compress a liquid
unless it has exceeded it's boiling point and is in a gaseous state.

DOT 5 better known as Silicone fluid is not hydroscopic at all. This is why
many people use it in their antiques. It doesn't cause the wheel cylinders
and the master cylinder to corrode. It is recomended you flush the system.
It also works better if you rebuild the cylinders and nearly polish the seal
areas as it tends to leak easier than DOT 3 or 4 fluid.

It is very hard to keep it from aerating. This is why it is not recommended
for ABS systems. When bleeding the system you should not "pump" the brake
pedal. Either bleed by using a pressure bleeder or by pushing the pedal to
the floor once, releasing the pressure at the cylinder, slowly allow pedal
to return, then repeat until all the air has been removed. Very time
consuming. Once all the air has been remove check levels often. If the fluid
becomes aerated it is very hard to remove the air.

Scott