BRAKE SYSTEM CORROSION CUT WITH SILICONE FLUID

Field testing by the St. Paul Division (Minnesota) of Northern States Power Company has so far demonstrated the efficiency of silicone brake fluid in preventing brake component corrosion. After an average 28,300 mi. traveled per fleet test vehicle, none of the wheel cylinders, calipers, or master cylinders had required replacement. Even at low annual vehicle mileage, the operating environment of the utility's fleet is relatively harsh on brake system components because of exposure to road salt during long winters. Normal practice has been to overhaul brakes every 30,000 mi. Because conventional polyglycol brake fluids tend to absorb moisture, corrosion is a problem. In the evaluation of 13 new vehicles and 2 used passenger cars with replaced brake cylinders, calipers and hoses, total flushing of the brake system was not necessary because silicone is compatible with conventional brake fluid. According to the utility's drivers, changing to silicone has made no noticeable difference in the feel of the brake pedals. Although the silicone brake fluid costs $3 more per vehicle, experience to date has indicated that the original wheel and master cylinders and calipers should last the life of the vehicle with the new fluid, which represents a saving of about $350 per car and reduces the chance of leaking brake fluid and brake failure.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/2554683
• Corporate Authors:

  Bobit Publishing Company

  2500 Artesia Boulevard
  Redondo Beach, CA  United States  90278
• Publication Date: 1980-12

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 26-27
• Serial:
  • Automotive Fleet
  • Volume: 20
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Bobit Publishing Company
  • ISSN: 0005-1519
  • Serial URL: http://www.fleet-central.com/af/home.cfm

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brake fluids; Brakes; Corrosion protection; Costs; Field tests; Fleet management; Fluids; Silicones
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fleets
• Old TRIS Terms: Silicone fluids
• Subject Areas: Finance; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00369245
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-031 051
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 30 1982 12:00AM