Engineering Design Benefits of Silicone Brake Fluids

For several years a search has been conducted for improved motor vehicle brake fluids not regulated by present SAE or federal specifications. Safety performance needs are exceeding the present capability of conventional brake fluids, and federal improvement of performance specifications is currently under way to remedy this situation. Silicone-based brake fluids have been the only viable product developed to date.

The primary goal of this search has been based on the need to identify a fluid that can be used in any vehicle on the road with no detrimental effects on any component of the braking system. This paper discusses silicone hydraulic brake fluid formulations that are capable of performing this first and most important task. Physical properties of silicone fluids that provide improved safety and performance are presented. Such fluids provide cost savings in reduced structural damage and the means for potential cost savings in new safety design cap ability for warning light systems, brake power boosters, smaller and lighter components, and antiskid, automatic and wheellock control devices. Silicone brake fluids offer an infinitely superior all-weather, all-climate brake fluid for reduced maintenance and replacement costs.