Re: 1955 Packard Treadle-vac

Posted by Ross On 2015/5/6 20:56:39

I pretty much always use standard brake fluid unless silicone is particularly requested.

I treat my treadlevac equipped cars exactly like all the others: sorta- mostly -kinda every couple of years do an extensive bleed of the system so that the fluid in the reservoir, lines, and cylinders is fresh. That simple expedient keeps the whole system in great shape for looong periods of time.

When any of my cars starts to use fluid at the rate of needing to be topped up more than once a year, the problem is found and corrected. For example, the 60 Lark I inherited from the original owner had its master rebuilt in 87 when I did the car over. That master now leaks down in 3 months so will be done over.

The treadlevac in my Packup is pushing 10 years old and 40K miles. Its probably due for a thorough bleed/flush again this year but I will have to check the logbook.