Miata Mailing List: February 2000, Message #280

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In message <20000201221208.A17817@luquillo.virkki.com>, "Jyri J. Virkki" writes
:
> Once upon a time Scot Zediker wrote:
> >
> > 
> > Now that brings me to my question.  Since I'm changing
> > all the other fluids in my car, what do you folks
> > recommend for brake fluid?  Right now I just have
> > standard DOT 3/4 fluid in the car.  I've heard
> > silicon-based fluid offers good heat resistance, but
> > how is it for day-to-day living?
> 
> Ah, the weekly brake fluid thread? ;-)
> 
> No, you do not want silicon (DOT 5) fluid. You may want synthethic,
> but not silicon.

Whatever you use, don't use silicon. Sand makes a lousy brake fluid. :) 
  Silicone, on the other hand, merely makes a sub-par brake fluid. 

The short argument is that it's specifically disallowed in SCCA 
  racing, so that tells me there's something wrong with it.

The long argument is that it won't absorb water, so any water that
  condenses in your brake lines stays in little pockets which boil 
  much easier than normal brake fluid that's absorbed water, and is 
  much more likely to cause rust. I've also heard that silicone brake
  fluid doesn't give as solid of a pedal feel. I think I've read a
  couple of other reasons not to ue it, but they don't come to mind at
  the moment.

Check the auto tech links from the miata.net garage. I think thee's some
  brake fluid info there.

  Keith Hearn
  '99 10AE "Sexy Sadie" the Sapphire Shark
  Milpitas, CA