We have Whoa!!
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
We have Whoa!!
I'm finally getting back to work on my 53. Last weekend I got the engine set in place and bolted down, fuel tank mocked up for mount building and a few other small things. This weekend I finally got to finish my brake system. I decided to use DOT 5 fluid since everything in the system is new. I had heard that bleeding could be a little difficult because of the slightly thicker fluid, but I really didn't think it would matter too much, boy was I wrong! It took me all afternoon to get the brakes bled and things working as they should.
Now it time to get back to the GO!! part and finish hooking up the engine and get a driveshaft built, then maybe "Someday" will move on it's own again.
Now it time to get back to the GO!! part and finish hooking up the engine and get a driveshaft built, then maybe "Someday" will move on it's own again.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
Likes: 2
From: Santa Clarita
I recall using DOT 5 in my Harley Davidson. I also remember guys were going to the stainless brake lines versus the rubber hoses. Since the diameter of the SS hose was smaller than the rubber, people had problems bleeding their brakes. I recall someone told me a while back that the brake cups in the wheel cylinders will swell up with DOT 5? Is that only when mixed with DOT 3 or using old cups?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I had trouble bleeding mine too but IMHO it's worth the extra effort to use Dot 5 expecially here in the upper northeast where the truck sits for about 6 months of the year. Dot 3/4 and Dot 5 do not mix and I've never heard of or experienced any swelling of rubber cups with the Dot 5. I have used it in two different vehicles with good results. In my first vehicle, a 65 Mustang, I used the original cups front and rear (drums all around) but I disassembled the wheel cylinders and MC and cleaned them with alcohol and blew out the lines with compressed air. In the second one, my 48 F-3 with all Chrysler brakes front and rear, I used new rubber cups in the rear cylinders, a new MC, and all new brake lines. Two years afterward I sold the Mustang and the brake system was still working great. I spoke with the current owner who lives in Maine at a car show a few weeks ago and he has not had to do any work to the brakes now in five years. The brakes on my truck are working great... 
Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; Aug 6, 2007 at 06:33 AM.
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From: Rural Southern Colorado
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Elder User
Joined: May 2006
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From: Kansas City, Mo
Dot 5
I've been using Dot 5 in Corvette and Harley bike disc brakes since first available. I never had any problems with it. It works better in all temperatures.I never found any moisture in the system when changing the fluid. Saves money, disc brakes run hotter, thus moisture using other brake fluids. Doesn't affect hoses, o'rings etc. Easiest way to bleed I found was using air pressure on m/c. The brake pedal does have a different feel (stiffer)for some people using Dot 5. Have a great day,chuck.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 53
From: Coatesville, PA
Great news on your truck.
I've had nothing but good luck with Dot5. I redid the brakes on a Nash Metropolitan in 1994, I sold it in 2000 and had no brake problems the entire time. I did my Triumph Stag in 2000 and used silicone, as of Saturday its still stopping. (knock wood). When I redid the brakes on the 52 this spring I replaced everything and once again used Dot 5. So far so good. I have to say I am a Dot 5 backer!
Good luck with your restoration.
Dennis
I've had nothing but good luck with Dot5. I redid the brakes on a Nash Metropolitan in 1994, I sold it in 2000 and had no brake problems the entire time. I did my Triumph Stag in 2000 and used silicone, as of Saturday its still stopping. (knock wood). When I redid the brakes on the 52 this spring I replaced everything and once again used Dot 5. So far so good. I have to say I am a Dot 5 backer!
Good luck with your restoration.
Dennis