Brake Fluid

[V12Bill]

Originally Posted by tubman

I put DOT-5 in a '68 Corvette I had and it worked fine for 20 years until I sold the car last fall. However, I have never had so much trouble getting the brakes bled on any other car I owned. I have since gone back to DOT-4. I have an electronic device that will tell you the moisture content of the fluid in your system and whether it is at a marginal level or not. From my experience, the DOT-4 fluid will last at least 10 years (probably more) before it picks up enough moisture to be problematic. At that time, I flush the system and install new fluid. I have "Speed Bleeders" installed in my cars, so that is not a big chore.

Think about this : How many 20 or 30 year old "beaters" on the road are running their original brake fluid installed at the factory? Probably most of them, and I know of no major manufacturer that installs DOT-5. If it were a problem, the legislators and DOT would be all over it, with mandated brake fluid changes, etc.

You are right that many beaters on the road have OEM fluid as installed at the factory. Most manufactures recommend changing fluid every 3 years. Harley Davidson uses DOT 5 because like antique car owners, bikers only go out in the warmer months.

[VeryTangled]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

No juice! - "the safety of steel from pedal to wheel."

We're all snobs on some level! I run a 35 and a 36 with rods. They don't leak!

[V12Bill]

I had a 1941 Ford Coupe in high school that blew a line that was rusted on the inside. If DOT 5 was available back then I would have used it . I have used DOT 5 for over 30 years and have had no problems. Bleeding problems can arise if you shake the can of fluid before installing or pump the brake vigorously. The DOT 5 forms small bubbles that take a long time to settle out. Also leaks can form if double flare ends on the lines are sloppily made. Finally, fittings must be TIGHT. Put on your big boy pants and snug them down.

[51 MERC-CT]

Hmm, 52% use (Dot5 /silicon/e) Vs. all the rest.

[Marvin/TN]

As said Dot 5 does not attract but water still gets in the system and settles in the low points of the lines etc so can still cause rust.

[V8 Bob]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by FL&WVMIKE

DOT 5 is Silicon based, and CANNOT be mixed with other fluids. It also does not absorb water, so it can be a good choice for something that sits in storage for long periods of time.

DOT 3 is basic brake fluid.
DOT 4 is the synthetic version of DOT 3, and can be mixed with it.

I don't know enough about DOT 5.1 to give rock solid advice.

I ran DOT 5 in my mustang for a few decades. Never had a problem.

Not totally correct. All brake fluid is technically "synthetic". DOT 4 simply has a higher boiling point that DOT 3, and is the main reason you don't want to mix DOT 3, 4 or 5.1 glycol fluids, because of their different boiling point specs.

[glennpm]

Dot 4


Bad experiences with Dot 5

[V8 Bob]

Originally Posted by Red98

I Use-

So, why did you list DOT 5 and silicone fluid separately? And what is "other"?