Dumb question: What works like brake fluid.

[duncanstives]

Lets say I needed to use something in leu of brake fluid in order to get a vehicle to a location where I can buy some... Any thing I can use instead that I might have lying around?

I know this sounds like a stupid thing to do but its sort of a last minute emegency.

[RubiconMike]

This is not a scientific answer, but I would guess that any non-compressable fluid would work. I would stay away from water or corrosive fluids, but some type of oil should work. Maybe ATF too.

It goes without saying that you should completely flush the system before you refill it.

[chr1s]

I know this sounds like a stupid thing to do.

really?:rolleyes:
cant call a friend, or hop the bus, or cab or WALK?

why would you even consider catastrophic brake failure?

[Chevelleguy]

I wouldn't put anything in the master cylinder but brake fluid. Had a customer use power steering fluid by mistake, had to change every part of the system that had rubber in it. Don't know if it caused any damage or that is just what the shop owner said it would take for us to fix the goof up.

[babywag]

Seriously DO NOT use something other than brake fluid.
Brake fluid is sold literally everywhere, I've even seen it in the grocery store.

Complete brake system failure is a possibility...

You're going to drive something to buy brake fluid:eek:????

Be **** sure you don't cause an accident.
I can tell you with 100% certainty that if I was involved in an accident with someone because of something like this.
I would sue there *** off just for the stupid factor.

[krek]

If this was Pirate I would suggest cerebrospinal fluid since you obviously aren't using yours anyway.

But this isn't Pirate, so I won't. :)

[elyx]

Don't know if i'd ask an emergency based question on a forum, emergency usually denotes you don't have alot of time ;)

Honestly, its not worth it. really really. unless the nearest store that has brake fluid is 25 miles away, walk. It'll do your feet and legs some good, and it'll save your brake system. quick tip: 7-11's and min marts usually carry fluid too. usually small bottles, but even buying 2 bottles at outrageous mini-mart prices is better then rebuilding an entire brake system. not to mention what might happen if you have to stop for a pedestrian, and your emergency fluid fails to work....yeah i don't like to think about it

[YellowJeep]

DO NOT USE POWER STEERING FLUID! PS fluid will swell all rubber pieces in the system...seals, lines, master cylinder caps etc. Not cool!

Just buy some brake fluid and call it a day.

[Stumblinman]

I heard you could use Coke in an emergency. You don't want to bubbles though so make sure you shake up the can real good before you open it. :whistle:

[tazdog]

There is no substitute:omfg: any other fluid you have laying around will expand with the heat of braking (even just a few times) and cause a failure. Just one reason. If you use something else the question is not will it fail it's how bad it fails.:hide: :hide:

[duncanstives]

The question was not for me... It was for someone else who was in contact with me via cell phone... To long a story for right now but lets just say it WAS an emegency which fortunately has resolved itself.

Also: Walking miles in -3 degrees in an area where it does not normally get much colder than 32 (and thus people are DRESSED for 32) will lead to more immediate problems than brake failure (which is saying something because that is pretty damm immediate)

[krek]

And that's why we didn't make fun of you... :D :whistle: :D

[AlsChopShop]

If this was Pirate I would suggest cerebrospinal fluid since you obviously aren't using yours anyway.

But this isn't Pirate, so I won't. :)oh man i about split a gut! its sig worthy!!! :lol:

Al

[Stumblinman]

What would McGyver do ?

If it was really an 'emergency' then I suppose instead of trying to find something to use as a substitute, you could've just driven slowly and used the EMERGENCY brake.