Evaporating brake fluid, TIC Options

[930cabman]

There is a much much much better alternative for brake fluid: silicone brake fluid. Among other things, it's not hygroscopic. It has a higher boiling point. It won't harm your paint or promote rust.

It's best not to mix with "conventional" types of brake fluids as it can creates so called "worms" when the different fluids interact. One of my projects this winter is replacing the 914's front suspension and rear trailing arms with 911 stuff along with the MC, all brake lines, pressure regulator, etc. A perfect time to upgrade to silicone brake fluid.

I've done the same upgrade to another vehicle of ours and it works as advertised.

Thanks Jack,

The jury is out for me with regards to silicone brake fluid. I need to do a bit more research.

[930cabman]

Victory.

I had a new ATE master cyl on the shelf and got it in yesterday. Not too bad of a job.

Firm pedal, no leakage, reset the push button on the warning light switch.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving-girl.gif) On the road again

[Dave_Darling]

Silicone brake fluid can be problematic. It doesn't absorb water, true. But that means any water that gets in just sits in its own layer in the system. Not great for whatever it's sitting in. I've also heard stories of stuff growing in that layer of water!

In general, regular DOT4 brake fluid is more than good enough for our cars.

--DD

[930cabman]

Silicone brake fluid can be problematic. It doesn't absorb water, true. But that means any water that gets in just sits in its own layer in the system. Not great for whatever it's sitting in. I've also heard stories of stuff growing in that layer of water!

In general, regular DOT4 brake fluid is more than good enough for our cars.

--DD

Thanks Dave, I have heard/read the same. I will stick with conventional for now.

[Jack Standz]

Use what you want of course. For my money (and time), it's silicone brake fluid when appropriate.

Track car or street car? OK, don't use silicone brake fluid in your track car.

But, (and be honest) do you really flush your brake lines every 12 to 18 months?

"Water contamination also leads to corrosion of brake pipes, wheel cylinders, calipers, and master cylinders, resulting in pipe leaks, “frozen” cylinder pistons, accelerated seal wear, and the formation of sludge. Silicone fluids avoid these problems by being non-hygroscopic (not moisture-absorbing), while glycol fluids can absorb as much as 6% water just by being in a “sealed” automotive hydraulic system for a few years. This moisture is generally absorbed from the air. Some moisture even works its way into brake hoses. Most comes from master cylinder cap vents and resultant condensation in the air space above the fluid, and from allowing cans of brake fluid and master cylinders to remain open to the atmosphere for too long."

[930cabman]

Being truthful, I have never changed brake fluid in any vehicle I have owned in 50+ years and never a failure I know of. I understand what the recommended cycle is, but always been lax in this department. Changing engine oil every 3,000 miles has been my mantra for the same time period. Call me old/stubborn it's ok

[Superhawk996]

Being truthful, I have never changed brake fluid in any vehicle I have owned in 50+ years and never a failure I know of. I understand what the recommended cycle is, but always been lax in this department. Changing engine oil every 3,000 miles has been my mantra for the same time period. Call me old/stubborn it's ok

Uhmmm. Weren’t you the guy that started the thread with a failed master cylinder ? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[930cabman]

Being truthful, I have never changed brake fluid in any vehicle I have owned in 50+ years and never a failure I know of. I understand what the recommended cycle is, but always been lax in this department. Changing engine oil every 3,000 miles has been my mantra for the same time period. Call me old/stubborn it's ok

Uhmmm. Weren’t you the guy that started the thread with a failed master cylinder ? : confused:

Correct, it may have been the original. If so, I can hardly have an issue with anything close to 50 y/o

Could be a candidate for (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bs.gif)

[Superhawk996]

I should have noted that previous post as being a sarcastic (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)

Agree hard to complain if it was original. If it was an OEM 17mm part - don’t toss it. 17mm getting hard to find. So are 17mm rebuild kits but they are out there.
Measure it before you toss it. 19mm are dime a dozen so toss that if bad.

[Highland]

Has anybody tried this? I guess Summit is selling refurbished parts??

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/agb-mc39...l/914/year/1973

[Mikey914]

Has to be refurb. It's a 17mm.

[930cabman]

Has anybody tried this? I guess Summit is selling refurbished parts??

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/agb-mc39...l/914/year/1973

I have used Summit with some success, but be careful with this one. Claims to fit our 914 with power brakes??

I had an ATE unit on the shelf

[jcd914]

Their description infers it is new but the pictures are of an ATE 17mm cylinder.

Jim

From their website:
Raybestos PG Plus Professional Grade brake master cylinders are manufactured from precision castings for an exact match to your OE design. Their casting design features a reduced weight that does not stress the brake booster mounting. Raybestos offers more than 1,600 replacement models for vehicle dating from 1947 and up. Order the size and specs recommended for your application. When using PG Plus Professional Grade brake products, you can be certain that your replacement brake components will perform as well as your original equipment.

[930cabman]

I would like to rebuild my old one, but cannot find a rebuild kit?

thank you

[Superhawk996]

I would like to rebuild my old one, but cannot find a rebuild kit?

thank you

They are not easy to find but they are out there. Keep an eye on Ebay, and some of the parts houses that sell NOS parts.

I believe the NOS ATE part number is 3.0370.1517.2

That Summit part would be super interesting if it really is a rebuilt 17mm.

[930cabman]

I would like to rebuild my old one, but cannot find a rebuild kit?

thank you

They are not easy to find but they are out there. Keep an eye on Ebay, and some of the parts houses that sell NOS parts.

I believe the NOS ATE part number is 3.0370.1517.2

That Summit part would be super interesting if it really is a rebuilt 17mm.

Thank you, if i can find one, I will post it for future users