brake fluid

[William G.]

OK, in my last posts about rebuilding my brake system on my 67, I was asking why DOT 5 silicone could not be used. I saw one NCRS member post pictures of his expanded and deformed seals. I also contacted Zip Corvette, more than once and was told DO NOT USE DOT 5 SILICONE, the warranty on your master cylinder purchased from us will be voided! I then contacted Muskegon Brake with the same question and they confirmed, DON"T USE DOT 5! Both places were asked why and the information was that the product formulation has changed about 7 years ago!

This past week I bought a small bottle of Prestone Synthetic DOT 3 to reassemble the calipers. Then I got to thinking about the word "Synthetic" will this be compatible with the seals. Posed the Question to ZIP, ( Justin Abbott ), and got a 3 word answer, "yes it is!"

I just went on the Prestone website and when I entered the information about my car, under brake fluids, it came back with no products available for your car! Som, what gives? Are any of you using the Prestone MAX synthetic brake fluid in your C2 and C3 cars. If not, what product do you recommend?

Bill

[Leif A.]

Re: brake fluid

Bill,
All DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids are synthetic in today's world. Any quality DOT 3 or DOT 4 will work just fine in your '67. If your preference is Prestone, then Prestone AS400 DOT 3 Synthetic Brake Fluid is what you're looking for.

[Jim L.]

Re: brake fluid

ALL brake fluid is synthetic. The term, as applied to brake fluid, does not distinguish one type of fluid from another.

The most credible information I've seen suggests that vendors who won't warranty their brake products if DOT5 fluid is used have changed that from which their seals are made.

If their seals are made of EPDM, there is no issue.

Raybestos brake products, FWIW, do not disclaim the use of DOT5 fluid.

[Ed D.]

Re: brake fluid

ALL brake fluid is synthetic. The term, as applied to brake fluid, does not distinguish one type of fluid from another.

The most credible information I've seen suggests that vendors who won't warranty their brake products if DOT5 fluid is used have changed that from which their seals are made.

If their seals are made of EPDM, there is no issue.

Raybestos brake products, FWIW, do not disclaim the use of DOT5 fluid.

Jim, I have been all over the Raybestos web site and can find anything that says their seals are compatible with dot 5. I purchased a set of caliper rebuild kit (wk452) from Raybestos and the box does not say anything about dot compatibility. Can you point in the direction where Raybestos makes their claims.
Ed

[Jim L.]

Re: brake fluid

Jim, I have been all over the Raybestos web site and can find anything that says their seals are compatible with dot 5. I purchased a set of caliper rebuild kit (wk452) from Raybestos and the box does not say anything about dot compatibility. Can you point in the direction where Raybestos makes their claims.
Ed

I'll have to re-research it and get back to you. For now, do you see anything which says their products should NOT be used with DOT5?

[Terry M.]

Re: brake fluid

Jim, I have been all over the Raybestos web site and can find anything that says their seals are compatible with dot 5. I purchased a set of caliper rebuild kit (wk452) from Raybestos and the box does not say anything about dot compatibility. Can you point in the direction where Raybestos makes their claims.
Ed

Ed
There was a discussion of brake fluid earlier that came about in an unlikely thread in which a member related having a conversation with Raybestos Tech Support the substance of which was that Rabestos seals were compatible with DOT 5.

I would spend more than the five minutes I have used already looking for that post/thread, but I want to get back to the thrilling five hour board meeting. I have used up all the allotted break time already.

[Jim L.]

Re: brake fluid

Ed
There was a discussion of brake fluid earlier that came about in an unlikely thread in which a member related having a conversation with Raybestos Tech Support the substance of which was that Rabestos seals were compatible with DOT 5.

I would spend more than the five minutes I have used already looking for that post/thread, but I want to get back to the thrilling five hour board meeting. I have used up all the allotted break time already.

See posting #29 in this Corvette Forum thread:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...h-dot-5-a.html

[Ed D.]

Re: brake fluid

Thank Jim, read the 29th posting, it nice to know that a technical person at Raybestos is assuring us that the products are Dot 5 compatible, but it would nice to see it stated in writing. I have not seen anything from Raybestos that their products are not compatible either on their web site or on the parts I purchased. Thanks for all the research.
Ed

[Owen L.]

Re: brake fluid

Their warranties do not cite any limitation due to fluid use. I've attached the most current (2017 & 2018) warranty documents.

[Ed D.]

Re: brake fluid

Thanks Owen, I see your point. The big concern I had when I received my parts, was the big MADE IN CHINA label on the side of the box. I may open the package and put the seals in a bath of DOT 5 and see what happens.
Ed

[Terry M.]

Re: brake fluid

Thanks Owen, I see your point. The big concern I had when I received my parts, was the big MADE IN CHINA label on the side of the box. I may open the package and put the seals in a bath of DOT 5 and see what happens.
Ed

Seeing the link to Corvette Forum explains to me why I couldn't find that post on this board. . Thanks Jim. Your search skills are superior.

Ed
As a result of the posting that Jim linked to, a post that was linked to some weeks ago on this board, I ordered a set of Raybestos caliper seals that arrived with "Made in the USA" stickers on the boxes. I ordered from Amazon.

[Ed D.]

Re: brake fluid

Terry, I ordered mine from Amazon as well and mine said China.
Ed

[Gary B.]

[Joe L.]

Re: brake fluid

Gary------


... and, as I've said repeatedly, if one is totally adverse to Chinese manufactured parts don't even consider a new C8 Corvette (or, any other new car for that matter).

[Ed D.]

Re: brake fluid

I am not a fan of China and its general quality, but anyone who is a consumer in this country has to deal with the facts about lack of availability of products made in the USA. Can China make good products, yes, but after seeing many substandard items come from them, you become skeptical. So what choice do we have? Its interesting that Terry and I bought the same item from the same supplier, same manufacture, one was maked USA, the other make in China.
Ed