brake fluid-what and why?

azoomm · 03-30-2009, 09:56 PM

After learning more than I ever wanted to know about brake systems, I have come to learn this... unless your bike can take a synthetic, don't go to a higher number than recommended. And, do not mix. There will be no benefit, and the 5.1, 6, etc. may eat parts that aren't compatible.

BobTheBiker · 03-30-2009, 10:14 PM

I just run standard DOT4 fluid in my brakes and clutch. I dont ride hard enough or use the brakes aggressively enough to warrant anything else, plus I change the fluid frequently to keep the system in top shape.

bmblebee · 03-31-2009, 08:53 AM

I use the fluid that is called for on the cap of my master cylinder reservoir. I can't claim to know more than the people who designed the system

marko138 · 03-31-2009, 09:13 AM

I generally use what's called for. I have a bottle of Bel-Ray Super DOT 5 I need to put in soon.

Yamerhaw · 03-31-2009, 01:02 PM

Dot 4

zed · 03-31-2009, 01:13 PM

I put a synthetic dot4 in mine last time because that is what I had on hand at the shop. thought it was castrol but their site don't show it as synthetic.

OTB · 03-31-2009, 01:54 PM

Dot 3 and 4 are Glycol based and are hydro attractant; Dot 5 is Silicone based and is NOT compatable with the other types. Mixing Dot 3/4 with Dot 5 can cause catastrophic seal failures/seizures.

The difference between Dot 3 and 4 is the amount of additives used to elevate the boiling point.

Dot 5 Fluid won't hurt your paint, but usually gives a spongier feel, and since it is non-miscable with water, the water gavitates to the lowest points of the sytem and causes corrosion.

Unless your system is specifically designed for Dot 5 and above, using it will garner few benefits.

JMHO

marko138 · 03-31-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marko138

I generally use what's called for. I have a bottle of Bel-Ray Super DOT 5 I need to put in soon.

Check that...It's Super DOT 4 I have.

ceo012384 · 04-01-2009, 12:41 AM

Motul RBF600 is the prime track shit... a little pricey though.

was92v · 04-10-2009, 06:53 AM

Dot 4 for me.

03-30-2009, 09:56 PM	#1
azoomm moderator chick Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hill Country TX Moto: Pasta Rockets Posts: 8,917	After learning more than I ever wanted to know about brake systems, I have come to learn this... unless your bike can take a synthetic, don't go to a higher number than recommended. And, do not mix. There will be no benefit, and the 5.1, 6, etc. may eat parts that aren't compatible. __________________ We have enough youth. How about a fountain of "smart"? Come Play at the Track!! http://www.elitetrackdays.com

03-31-2009, 08:53 AM	#3
bmblebee Community Curmudgeon Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tallahassee Moto: '04 F4i Posts: 373	I use the fluid that is called for on the cap of my master cylinder reservoir. I can't claim to know more than the people who designed the system __________________ Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store and not a government agency If You Don't Know What Your Rights are...You Won't Have Any

03-31-2009, 01:02 PM	#5
Yamerhaw Country Boy Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Hicktown in NC Moto: 07 R1 Posts: 797	Dot 4 __________________ “If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason.” It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

04-01-2009, 12:41 AM	#9
ceo012384 Pompous Prick Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: MA Moto: 06 R6 (race), 04 CRF Tard (race) Posts: 3,040	Motul RBF600 is the prime track shit... a little pricey though. __________________ LRRS/CCS #123 Boston Moto Dunlop Woodcraft 35 Motorsports Sidi Pit Bull K&N Filters

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03-30-2009, 10:14 PM	#2
BobTheBiker too much time on my hands Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: the northern district of god damn Moto: 01 ZX6R, looking for more now. Posts: 1,802	I just run standard DOT4 fluid in my brakes and clutch. I dont ride hard enough or use the brakes aggressively enough to warrant anything else, plus I change the fluid frequently to keep the system in top shape.

03-31-2009, 01:13 PM	#6
zed yellow don't corner well Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kansas City, KS Moto: 06 ZX10R Posts: 1,243	I put a synthetic dot4 in mine last time because that is what I had on hand at the shop. thought it was castrol but their site don't show it as synthetic.

03-31-2009, 01:54 PM	#7
OTB The Man Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: CrabTown USA Moto: 00 Bimota DB4 Posts: 823	Dot 3 and 4 are Glycol based and are hydro attractant; Dot 5 is Silicone based and is NOT compatable with the other types. Mixing Dot 3/4 with Dot 5 can cause catastrophic seal failures/seizures. The difference between Dot 3 and 4 is the amount of additives used to elevate the boiling point. Dot 5 Fluid won't hurt your paint, but usually gives a spongier feel, and since it is non-miscable with water, the water gavitates to the lowest points of the sytem and causes corrosion. Unless your system is specifically designed for Dot 5 and above, using it will garner few benefits. JMHO

04-10-2009, 06:53 AM	#10
was92v Nowhere Man Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 558	Dot 4 for me.