The Ford Barn - View Single Post - DOT5 in Minnesota; keep trying or switch to DOT3?

Daves55Sedan · 09-19-2023, 09:45 PM

Decades ago, during restoration when I had body off frame, I replaced all brake lines and hoses with new. Installed new wheel cylinders and master cyl too. Perfect opportunity to switch to DOT5, so I did.
In the years since, I have noticed the level of fluid in the master cylinder decreases about 1/2 inch per year. Not enough of a loss to draw air, so I don't have to bleed the brakes, so I have just left it like that.
I have been under the car several times checking for leaks but can't find any, but thats probably because all frame and suspension parts are shiny black (from the new paint during restoration).
The car has been driven daily, year round so I figure losing 1/2 an ounce of fluid over a years time is tolerable.
I've even had the brake drums off a couple years back during tire change and inspected for leaks at the wheel cylinders. No dice.

09-19-2023, 09:45 PM	#5
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: DOT5 in Minnesota; keep trying or switch to DOT3? Decades ago, during restoration when I had body off frame, I replaced all brake lines and hoses with new. Installed new wheel cylinders and master cyl too. Perfect opportunity to switch to DOT5, so I did. In the years since, I have noticed the level of fluid in the master cylinder decreases about 1/2 inch per year. Not enough of a loss to draw air, so I don't have to bleed the brakes, so I have just left it like that. I have been under the car several times checking for leaks but can't find any, but thats probably because all frame and suspension parts are shiny black (from the new paint during restoration). The car has been driven daily, year round so I figure losing 1/2 an ounce of fluid over a years time is tolerable. I've even had the brake drums off a couple years back during tire change and inspected for leaks at the wheel cylinders. No dice.