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what dot 4 brake fluid to use

 
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BigAl
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 12:15 am    Post subject: what dot 4 brake fluid to use Reply with quote

Hey guys, i am going to do a brake fluid change and would like to know what is the best dot 4 brake fluid to use. I ask this in preperation for a track day that i might do this year.
Thanks in advance
Alan
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lee16v
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 12:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm thinking of using a silicone based brake fluid Al. It doesn't get affected by moisture and once it's done it's done! Might have to do some more research first.
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BigAl
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 12:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

lol lee, i been doing some reading as well and chose to stick with dot4, but which one to get is beyond me, there not all the same.
I might get some braided hoses for the fluid change.
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lee16v
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 2:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was going to get some braided hoses too Al. Anything to try and improve on the great braking abilitiy my car posesses Rolling Eyes
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JeremyC
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 9:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I believe silicone brake fluid doesn't do it's job as well as mineral does. It's two advantages: lack of moisture absorbtion and not attacking paintwork can be mitigated by regular changes and careful use.
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BigAl
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 11:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

someone must have tried different versions of dot4 and found one to be better than the other.

valvoline
motul
halfords universal
ford
hayes
castrol
pace
AP

these are just a few
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JeremyC
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 11:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Guys, I can virtually stand the car on its nose on the standard system, what are you all doing with brakes?
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BigAl
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 1:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

J.C, thats for another thread Laughing please stay on topic Laughing
If no one has tried different makes of dot4 fairenough
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JeremyC
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 3:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The general consensus from most fora I hang around on is that you'll be fine if you stick to a name brand e.g. AP is likely to be better than your local motor factors own brand. Really only an issue if you do alot of braking and are worried about fade.

Aparently Castrol Racing fluid has a stupendously high BP.
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Oggie
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 5:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have fitted dot 5 synthetic fluid before Cool and believe me its a waste of money £45 a litre, stick to dot 4 mineral, its what all the race guys use.

I have fitted bf goodrich braided hoses and really cannot tell if they are much different to the standard ones, although they do look good. Cool
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Admin
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi

DOT 5 doesn't absorb water, hence any water that gets in the system stays there (and there is a vent hole in the reservior to allow air and moisture in Razz ). It is also mean to be slightly compressable. It is also not compatable with normal DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Big advantage is that it doesn't wrecked your paintwork.

However you can use DOT 5.1 which is compatable with DOT 3 and DOT 4.

All the best

Keith
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BigAl
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lol you guys, the name of this post is "what dot4 brake fluid to use" I want dot Laughing and would like to know what is the better make of "Dot4" lol Laughing
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi

Difficult to tell. You need to check the specs of the particular fluids. And also consider how often you will change the fluid.

Think some race fluids land up as DOT 3, as although they have a very good "dry" performance their "wet" performance (ie, once they have absorbed some water) is pretty useless (and who cares when you will be replacing it for each race meeting).

All the best

Keith
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BigAl
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 10:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thats why i thought i'd ask here lol
I am looking for a non race fluid as they don’t have as much anti-corrosive in them and will change either 1-2 years. I plan on doing 1 or 2 track days this year, given the extra heat produced by this I wanted good fluid now before I do it Smile
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bricefromparis
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 3:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hello,

I've got DOT 5.1 in replace from the DOT4, never had problem with it, but I do not go on race with it.
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BigAl
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 5:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Brice Smile
how you doing, I have done that in the past, PITA, I just replaced with any old dot 4
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bricefromparis
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm fine thanks Wink

Will I have the pleasure to see you and your race care on our stand club again this year ?
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BigAl
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm afraid not, all my funds went into the car, needed some restoration work done. Also need to finish race prepping it, roll cage, oil cooler bucket seats, smaller lighter wheels with race tyres, 1.3 sud gearbox, lightened flywheel, plastic windows, fiberglass tailgate Smile
Next year hopefully Smile, need to start saving lol.
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PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2012 5:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

BigAl wrote:
1.3 sud gearbox,


1286 or 1350 ? Might be easier to just use a series 3 33 1.3 gearbox (has the low ratio diff, but means you keep the 33 speedo sender, etc).

All the best

Keith
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BigAl
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PostPosted: Tue May 08, 2012 1:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Keith,
I got a 1.3 sud box which has been modded for the 16v, I just need to get my engineer guy to machine a different connector on the box, so the 33 gear selector can be used.
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