brake fluid-what and why?

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.

tommymac · 04-10-2009, 07:18 AM

been using DOT 4 even on the track bike and had no issues. its tough finding the DOT 4 in the auto stores and the dealers charge an arm and a leg for it so I usualy just order a bottle when purchasing other things.

tom

Rsv1000R · 04-10-2009, 03:00 PM

Dot 5.1 is sometimes compatable with Dot 4 systems. Dot 5 is not the same as 5.1 nor do they mix. My HD has Dot 5, and my Aprilia says Dot 5.0 (4.0 compatable) which I think is what they call 5.1 in Europe.

tommymac · 04-13-2009, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rsv1000R

Dot 5.1 is sometimes compatable with Dot 4 systems. Dot 5 is not the same as 5.1 nor do they mix. My HD has Dot 5, and my Aprilia says Dot 5.0 (4.0 compatable) which I think is what they call 5.1 in Europe.

I will have to double check but am 99% sure the futura used dot 4 for the brakes and the clutch.

Tom

03-31-2009, 01:02 PM	#2
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	#6
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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03-31-2009, 01:13 PM	#3
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	#4
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	#7
was92v Nowhere Man Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 558	Dot 4 for me.

04-10-2009, 07:18 AM	#8
tommymac Moto GP Star Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 11,022	been using DOT 4 even on the track bike and had no issues. its tough finding the DOT 4 in the auto stores and the dealers charge an arm and a leg for it so I usualy just order a bottle when purchasing other things. tom

04-10-2009, 03:00 PM	#9
Rsv1000R WERA White Plate Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,059	Dot 5.1 is sometimes compatable with Dot 4 systems. Dot 5 is not the same as 5.1 nor do they mix. My HD has Dot 5, and my Aprilia says Dot 5.0 (4.0 compatable) which I think is what they call 5.1 in Europe.