Silicone Brake Fluid - SBF Upgrade
Changing your XJS, XK8 or other classic Jaguar's brake fluid with silicone is the safest option when done correctly.
We receive many cars in which the brake fluid is heavily contaminated with water, making them dangerous to drive under some circumstances. See a note on this problem here: https://www.kwecars.com/boiling-brake-fluid/
The best solution is to replace the brake fluid with DOT5 Silicone Brake Fluid (SBF).
The major benefits are:
- Does not absorb water from the atmosphere, unlike conventional fluid
- High boiling point – will not induce brake failure at high temperatures due to water vaporisation
- Prevents rust in the system – calipers, pistons, master cylinder etc
- Does not damage paint (spilled conventional fluid dissolves most automotive paints leading to rusting)
- Never needs to be replaced (conventional fluid needs to be changed every 3 years, regardless of use)
- Compatible with all brake system materials in classic Jaguar cars
There have been disputes over SBF’s performance, with allegations of ‘soft brake pedal’. KWE have researched this, and, along with our substantial practical experience, have found that SBF is more inclined to hold air bubbles which results in a softer pedal. This is easily avoided by filling the SBF very carefully so as not to froth it up, and then to bleed the system more rigorously.
After decades of experience with badly maintained brake systems on classic Jaguars – we find the majority of cars coming into our workshops having dangerously high levels of water in the brake fluid – we strongly recommend our SBF conversion process. This involves removing the old fluid from the reservoir, ABS, pipes and callipers, and then slowly adding SBF. We flush through any remaining contaminated glycol brake fluid with plenty of SBF. This is expensive but necessary. The time taken varies because some cars have one or more seized or broken bleed nipples, but typically the process and the SBF costs around £250 plus VAT.
Book your change to safe fluid now! Contact KWE for a Jaguar brake inspection
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