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Silicone Brake Fluid Versus Standard Brake Fluid The arguments have been going on for twenty years. The jury is still out and the verdict in uncertain. My experience is not in favor of the silicone. The reason I'm not in favor are the paint problems that occur with cars that have silicone used in their systems. I am now restoring a Healey that had silicone used. The brakes had been rebuilt twenty years ago. The car was then placed in storage. The brakes were still up after all this time but if standard fluid had been used and the car put in storage, they probably would have been okay, as well. The problem that I noted was that the brake hoses all had become soft and spongy. These hoses would be dangerous and could blow, if the car was driven. This corresponds with a problem I read about where silicone caused the rubber cups in a Healey master cylinder to swell to the point that the fluid could not return to the reservoir, causing the brakes to lock up. The owner did contact the brake component manufacturer who noted that their components were not compatible with silicone fluid and they did not plan on making them so. Therefore, if you are planning on using silicone, you should check if all components and hoses on your car are compatible with the silicone fluid, including your clutch, if it is hydraulic. The paint problem, when restoring a car that has had silicone brake fluid used is serious. It is impossible to disassemble the car without some fluid spilling onto some part of the car. There are also areas, like around the master cylinder reservoir or the brake bleeder valves, where fluid was spilled when originally installed. It even shows up on the underside of the bonnet (hood). The problem is that even after using chemical stripper and/or media blasting, when all paint and rust is removed to bare clean metal, you still have serious fish eye problems in the paint. This stuff, just will not go away. I have also found that if I paint anything that is in my shop at the same time that a car with silicone fluid is there, I will have problems with it, as well. Therefore, I will no longer agree to do any paintwork on any car with silicone fluid in it, nor will I allow one in my shop if it does. Owners need to consider these problems before choosing a brake fluid. The cost to correct a paint problem caused by silicone can be hundreds in material, even if you do the work yourself. More than likely, it is going to entail a lot of extra work and money. Silicone fluid does have advantages, such as components lasting longer, if compatible. There are many pros and cons and I'm certain the argument will continue, but for me there is no decision to make. I will not use silicone under any condition. Good luck with your project. Lynn Martin,
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