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| joeld | Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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Guru
 
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I went to buy some brake fluid today and noticed all was a synthetic. Three different parts stores had the same selection. Now, I realize it's been a couple of years since I have worked on any brake problems, but is this the norm? I checked my old containers at home and there is no synthetic on them. I guess I need to get out more!
Any problems with mixing non-synthetic with synthetic? Thanks Joel |
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Posted on: 2009/1/5 19:36
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| CentralCoaster | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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Posted on: 2009/1/5 20:49
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| cuisinartvette | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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Elite Guru
 
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Never heard anythign about not using synthetic, just not using the silicone type. Who knows for sure..
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Posted on: 2009/1/5 20:54
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| Qack | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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For sure you can mix Valvoline ... Their website states "Compatible with all braking systems requiring a DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid" and "Mixes well with conventional fluids".
I had converted one of my cars (an MG-TF) to DOT 5 because it sat a lot and silicone doesn't absorb water. However, I now use DOT 3/4 in my cars and change the brake fluid at regular intervals. Here's a great primer for brake fluids: http://www.afcoracing.com/tech_pages/fluid.shtml |
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Posted on: 2009/1/5 21:35
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| CentralCoaster | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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Synthetic... is that the DOT 5.1?
AFAIK, DOT 4 is basically the same as DOT 3 but with higher boiling points. |
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Posted on: 2009/1/5 22:38
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| joeld | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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Actually there was DOT 3 and 4 in the synthetic. I'm thinking the Valvoline was DOT 3/4.
I'm going to just find some Castrol LMA tomorrow and keep using it. This was just something I never noticed before and wanted a few opinions on. Thanks Joel |
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Posted on: 2009/1/5 23:30
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| BillH | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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The Stig Moderator
 
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I run the Castrol LMA in the racecars and my street stuff. I really like it. It's a little low temp for Vettes on the track though. And I've mixed it with older fluid with no problems. |
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Posted on: 2009/1/5 23:47
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| Aardwolf | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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Senior Guru
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All brake fluid is synthetic. DOT 5.1 has the DOT 5 standards but isn't silicone.
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Posted on: 2009/1/6 0:12
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| CentralCoaster | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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I purchased some Castrol gt-lma for my bike, and it didn't have any DOT markings on it.
BTW racers, if you want to purchase Motul or Castrol SRF locally, your local motorcycle shop probably has it on the shelf. |
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Posted on: 2009/1/6 0:50
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| BrianCunningham | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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Senior Guru
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Which ones EAT fiberglass bodywork?
Some do, some don't. Can't remember right now. |
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Posted on: 2009/1/6 1:47
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Polo Green 95 LT1 6-spd http://mysite.verizon.net/vzevcp74/ 383 LT1/Vortech Supercharger/AFR heads/Rod end suspension/Penske-Hardbar dual rate coilovers/Wilwood 6pot brakes NCCC Governor: http://BayStateCorvetteClub.com |
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| Aardwolf | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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The wet boil on LMA is pretty low, fine if you change it a lot. It exceeds DOT 3 and 4, which isn't that helpful for data. DOT 3 is less hygroscopic and would be better for long term stock use then DOT 4 which is more hygroscopic but has higher boiling points. I use a fluid on sale that has at least 400° wet and spot bleed after track events and changing pads.
If someone asked me what to use for a stock long term use without high brake temps, I'd say a quality DOT 3. I'm not sure how their verbiage fits in with that, though LMA sounds good. |
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Posted on: 2009/1/6 1:52
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| Aardwolf | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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Quote:
All but DOT 5 silicone fluid can damage paint and most if not all of our cars have painted fiberglass. Once past the paint it can't be helpful to the resin. The DOT 5 silicone just wipes off paint. |
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Posted on: 2009/1/6 2:16
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| BillH | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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If it get's past the paint, you're screwed. The older the glass, the more it will suck it up, SMC included. When that happens, you're only option is a grinder. I've never had DOT5 on paint but like AW says, all the rest will eat it. |
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Posted on: 2009/1/6 15:52
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| BillH | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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CC, I just went down into the shop. I've got some cans that are about 2 years old (still sealed). On the can it says "Exceeds DOT 3 and 4 and all leading manufacturers requirements." Also SAE J1703,J1704. The Castrol SFR's extremely good but, you'd have to have some real overheating problems to justify the cost, $70.00/liter. I'd try the Wilwood of Motul first. |
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Posted on: 2009/1/6 16:02
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| bogus | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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Posted on: 2009/1/9 4:11
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| joeld | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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Guru
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Thanks Andy, I did see that article in the library but there was no info concerning synthetic. I was just somewhat concerned about seeing the new "synthetic" word on all the brands of fluid.
As a matter of fact the only fluid I could find in my area that didn't have synthetic on the container was a Pep Boys store-brand and Gunk. I went with Gunk regular fluid. Not to beat this horse anymore, but I plan on doing a little more researching later. Probably not a big deal either way. Thanks Joel |
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Posted on: 2009/1/9 16:33
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| Aardwolf | Re: Synthetic Brake Fluid | ||
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Senior Guru
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DOT 2 veggie based brake fluid is non-synthetic.
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Posted on: 2009/1/9 18:36
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