Brake Fluid - What do I need · Aussieveedubbers

Craig S · 4 Feb 2011, 8:36 pm

My brake fluid needs topping up. What should I buy?

Thanks 🙂

Camo · 4 Feb 2011, 8:45 pm

mmmm, is that a trick question !!!!!!

Maybe, brake fluid.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Kev

Craig S · 4 Feb 2011, 8:48 pm

Kev, As always you're a big help 🙅 I think you've been reading too many of Happydaze's responses. 😀

Dot 4, Dot 5 ??

Any brands to steer clear of?

Camo · 4 Feb 2011, 8:51 pm

Sorry bout that.

I use Nulon Xtreme super dot 4.

With that said, Pep Parts sells the same (exactly the same) bottle with their sticker on it and its only about $7-50 for a 500ml bottle.

Kev

Craig Torrens · 4 Feb 2011, 8:57 pm

When was the last time you did a full brake bleed ?

Brake fluid should be changed every 2 years as a min.

Craig S · 4 Feb 2011, 9:03 pm

Craig Torrens wrote:When was the last time you did a full brake bleed ?

Brake fluid should be changed every 2 years as a min.

I'll be honest Craig I don't know, but I'm just trying to make sure I make it in one piece to V-Force in a couple of weeks for a full brake and suspension upgrade 🙂 🙂 🙂

The good thing is that I'll be going down the M4 in peak hour to get there, which means I'll be going at speeds that I could open the door and put my foot out to stop the car.

Craig Torrens · 4 Feb 2011, 9:05 pm

Thats ok, it will be changed when Richard does the brakes.

Joel · 5 Feb 2011, 8:01 am

Craig Torrens wrote:Brake fluid should be changed every 2 years as a min.

Supposed to be but never is.

I know of cars that have 15+ year old fluid in them.
Most times it doesn't get changed unless a hose or cylinder/caliper gets replaced

HappyDaze · 5 Feb 2011, 8:30 am

Craig S wrote:Kev, As always you're a big help 🙅 I think you've been reading too many of Happydaze's responses. 😀

Geez, you really know how to hurt a fella.🥲

vlad01 · 5 Feb 2011, 3:36 pm

Craig S wrote:Kev, As always you're a big help 🙅 I think you've been reading too many of Happydaze's responses. 😀

Dot 4, Dot 5 ??

Any brands to steer clear of?

do not go Dot 5! unless you have a totally completely dry new system as dot 5 is synthetic silicon based oil and all dot 4 and bellow are glycol based.

Therefore NOT! compatible!

just go for any generic Dot 4.

vlad01 · 5 Feb 2011, 3:44 pm

More info,

dot 4 and bellow are glycol based and are hydroscopic (absorbs water from air) and is the reason fluid should be changed at least every 2 years.
Water content in fluid lowers the point point something shocking an can cause the brakes to boil inside when hot and cause the pedal to hit the floor with no braking action.

Dot 5 being synthetic silicon oil does not do this therefore has long term stability (life of the car?) and high boiling point which remains stable.