BENDIX TCH-020-008 User Manual

Technical Bulletin

Bulletin No.: PRO-20-08 Effective Date: 10/1/93 Cancels: NA Page: 1 of 1

Subject: Mini Master Cylinder Silicone Assembly Fluid

During manufacture of the Mini Master Cylinder, Bendix lubricates the piston bore with a
silicone fluid to facilitate component installation and testing. THIS SILICONE MATERIAL
has the consistency of light grease. It is inert and is compatible with brake fluid. This
silicone material often migrates to the master cylinder reservoir. Since the silicone is
lighter than the brake fluid, it floats on the surface of the brake fluid and is often mistaken
as “foreign matter” or contamination. The silicone fluid appears as either a relatively thin
film on top of the brake fluid or globules floating in the brake fluid. While the possibility
of contamination should not be discounted, material floating in the reservoir is most likely
the silicone assembly fluid when used during manufacture.

When the brake fluid and silicone mixture in the reservoir is penetrated with the tip of a
clean screwdriver, the silicone will tend to gather and adhere to the screwdriver tip.
When the screwdriver is slowly removed the silicone will “string” away, similar to a heavy
oil.

True oil contamination in the brake fluid is most easily identified by examining the rubber
components in the reservoir caps. When brought into contact with oil, rubber
components intended for use in brake fluid will exhibit substantial swelling (often
exceeding 125% of their original size).