HELP! Big Brake Fluid Problem

[tellushow]

Trailer has UFP A-60 actuator. Per UFP maintenance instructions, I bled the brakes using Dot 3. Just as I finished, I noticed faded sticker on trailer tongue stating: "DO NOT USE STANDARD BRAKE FLUID! USE ONLY DOT 5 SILCONE BASED FLUID".

I'm heading on a week long trip TODAY. I only have a few hours to remedy this problem. I can buy some Dot 5 and flush out all the Dot 3. Is that what I should do? Please help with any recommendations.

[Baddog]

Don't know about DOT3 vs. DOT 5 but I do know you can not put even a small amount of power steering fluid in the brake reservoir. Best no to ask why I know this.

[rinconking]

regular dot 3 fluid may destroy the seals in your braking system, you should immediatly flush the dot3 out and refill with dot 5

[Baddog]

regular dot 3 fluid may destroy the seals in your braking system, you should immediatly flush the dot3 out and refill with dot 5

Just fyi, power steering fluid will definitely destroy all the seals as well. Only takes about a month. Don't ask how I know this.

Edited July 27, 2009 by Baddog

[scfdfireman]

DOT 5 has a higher boiling point than DOT 3 plus the silicon based liquid doesn't harm paint like the DOT 3. If you can flush it out and retuen to what it had, that would most likely be the best solution. If you don't, I can't really see the DOT 3 harming the rubber components... After all, it's made for brake systems and as long as you flushed it completely it should be OK.

[Pistol Pete]

regular dot 3 fluid may destroy the seals in your braking system, you should immediatly flush the dot3 out and refill with dot 5