1987 AVANTI brakes

[billy]

these pictures show my brakes

http://groups.msn.com/AVANTIINFORMATION/shoebox.msnw

[Gunslinger]

Be very careful when using silicone brake fluid. You have to completely purge the old, non-silicone fluid from the system or you're going to have problems. If not done properly, silicone fluid will aerate and cause problems with spongy pedal feel and is very difficult to completely bleed.

Just about all makers of performance cars specifically say that DOT 5 (silicone fluid) NOT be used in their cars as aggressive handling promotes this aeration. Silicone fluid is great for cars that are driven little or in a museum, but shouldn't be used in performance oriented vehicles.

[billy]

Gunslinger, thanks for the information. I did not know silicone brake fluid should not be used in aggressive driven cars. We have been using it for 20 years in our street rods, drag racing cars & show cars without any problems. I have never been on a road race course but if I do I will be careful.

[Gunslinger]

I'm not saying silicone brake fluid is a bad thing...to use it you simply have to be very thorough in purging your old brake fluid first and in bleeding the air out of the system after adding the new fluid.

If you've had no problems with it after twenty years, then you're definitely doing something right. It is true that if you look at most, if not all performance cars, their manuals specifically say to use DOT 3 fluid, but generally don't say why. Besides my Avanti, I own two Corvettes and the same goes for them...every Vette specialist I know of says don't use silicone fluid...just use DOT 3 and change the fluid annually. Of course, old habits and prejudices die hard...I still use good ole STP in my cars when I know it's not necessary with the quality of today's motor oils.