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No, silicone brake fluid is a lubricant and preservative to brake parts. RTV on the other hand.. the curing agents in most of it will attack certain types of synthetic rubber.
Correct (and by the book as well)
Absolutely !!!!
What do I know with 30 years of auto repair experience. If that guy's truck had ABS he would have really been screwed.
OP use the fluid the bike calls for, my evo called for DOT 3 my TC calls for DOT 4. Don't mix your fluid and flush the system with what's required.
What year Evo used DoT3, Dave? I've only seen DoT5 requirements from shovelheads on up until the Twinkies came out.
I certainly respect your automotive experience, and we all agree that mixing them is A Very Bad Thing.
When it comes to brakes you don't want to play games, I'll always go with the manufactures recommendation.
IIRC my 89 evo did but don't quote me on it.
What do I know with 30 years of auto repair experience. If that guy's truck had ABS he would have really been screwed.
OP use the fluid the bike calls for, my evo called for DOT 3 my TC calls for DOT 4. Don't mix your fluid and flush the system with what's required.
Yeah, far as I know, no ABS system uses DOT 5 because it will compress more than glycol based fluid - freaks out the computer I reckon. Harley went to DOT 4 on ABS bikes. Dot 5 is good on tactical vehicles and bikes since it doesn't absorb moisture. But that's a double edge sword - if you do get water in the system, it'll lay in the low places and corrode...
And yes, best to always go with whatever is stamped on the master cylinder....
You can get denatured alcohol at most home paint stores or paint departments.
It's the best stuff to use and run atleast a quart through the front and the rear brake systems. Using a vacuum bleeder is easiest.
Gently blow out the lines from the calipers back to the master cyl's
The correct brake fluid will flush out the any remaining alcohol.
Bottom line 5.1 and 5 do not mix. Flush it out as mentioned do it right and start over. No it will not be ok if you just drain it and put the right stuff in.
Since this thread turned into a borderline "oil thread" check out post #1 and #2 if you have what I call "unauthorized" brake parts on your bike. Pretty good read actually....
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