Just started a brake job (pads, rotors) on '92 245 (ABS). Bentley says to use DOT 4 brake fluid. I can find it at local Advance Auto and Auto Zone. Seems their products are all synthetic brake fluids. Is it safe to go with synthetic DOT 4?

Also, the literature that came with my Volvo OEM rear brake pads says to use silicon grease (pn 116 1325-4) on both sides of shim. Rear pads set did not come with shims but have a "non-metallic" coating on the backs of the pads. On the other hand, front pad set came with shims coated on both sides with that same type of coating. Literature was not included separately for the fronts, so I'm thinking the literature I got with the rears applies in general to both front and rear. No grease was included with either pad set (pads made in India!)

So, the second question, where do I get the silicon grease? Auto Zone has synthetic grease (a CRC product) with moly, etc., but not silicon included. Is this lubricant appropriate?

For the fun of Volvos.
Thanks,
Mike
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'83 245 GLT, '92 245DL, '90 760 GLT

Two cents, always use #3. Don't live on a mountain, don't race, little chance of boiling the brakes.

It soaks up moisture in the system, replace every two years. Also, I never greased the backs of the pads and never noticed.

I have been using Castrol LMA in all my cars for 25 years. The chain stores don't carry it but if you have a full service auto store in your area they will most likely have it on the shelf.

Auto Zone and Advanced usually have the silicone brake grease in small packets in a display on the counter top.

Randy

I've also used Castrol for many years with no issues. I also never "change" the fluid, just add if it needs it. I have used the brake grease in back of the pads and shims and have found that it prevents squealing.
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-Cool Volvo- 1982 240 4 Spd OD w/ 266K, 1989 240 5 Spd w/ 269K. Past proud owner of 1966 122, 1968 144, 1970 145, 1972 144, 1980 245

Don't confuse synthetic with silicone. Don't go to a DOT 5 fluid without doing a complete change of all the fluid. That being said, a synthetic DOT 4 fluid should be compatible with any existing DOT 4 fluid you have in the braking system now. The difference between DOT 3 and DOT 4 is boiling point, and between 4 and 5 is an enormous gap in formulation. I change out my brake(DOT 4 ) fluid every two years in all 5 of my fleet.

Yes, it is safe to go to synthetic or silicone based brake fluids but you MUST flush the entire system completely! That being said, you can hit a local Napa shop and get the standard fluid. The Advance and Autozone stores only carry the most expensive solutions when it come to brake fluid. Heck, they have to make money somehow!

jorrell
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92 245 287K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

First off, silicon is a very hard semimetallic black element, abrasive and gritty.
Silicone is a polymer made from silicon (like rubber and plastics are made from carbon).
Silicone brake fluids and silicone greases are appropriate.
If it qualifies as DOT4 it is probably OK. These days there probably is no such thing
as a "natural" brake fluid (as opposed to synthetic).
But I am not convinced that the shims MUST be greased. I've done it both ways on oldtimers
and am not convinced that it helps much.
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George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!