VGLNTE1

we all use good brake fluid, and engine oil, but is there anything we can use other than the DOT 4 for the clutch fluid?

BEZ06

I don't know what the factory stuff is in a C5, but the C6 comes with GM Super DOT 4 in it, while the brakes come with DOT 3.

Most of us that track the cars probably just use whatever DOT 4 they're using for the brake system.

Just because it's cheaper and I've had good experience with it, I use Prestone DOT 4 in the clutch even though I run Motul RBF 600 in the brakes. I use my fellow Ranger Ranger's method to keep the clutch fluid clean.

So....any good DOT 4 should work for you, and it's probably most convenient to just use whatever you use in your brakes.

Like for the brakes, never put silicone DOT 5 in there!!!

Bob

sothpaw2

I use the Castrol SRF. Pricey but then since I also use it for the braking system which I don't have to bleed nearly as much, it's worth it.

Zenak

In both

rmackintosh

I use Motul RBF 600 in the brakes and Castrol SRF in the clutch. I used Motul in the clutch ONE TIME and it failed the seals in my Quartermaster QR1 race bearing in 3 laps...incompatible. So, now I use the two kinds.

froggy47

I have another thread on some Ferodo I used for clutch fluid & it failed - turns out it was OLD fluid, but the point is you should not automatically assume what works in the brake system is good in the clutch.

Apparently clutch rubber seals are not the same as brake rubber seals. Who knew?

I HAVE used Wilwood in the clutch & it's fine.

I may go back to the GM dot 4 if I can get it at a decent price. I like to chg it often.

VGLNTE1

I just got some ATE blue for the brakes, i figured i shouldnt try that in the clutch. lol. But it seems the DOT4 clutch stuff fails pretty quick

63Corvette

Same here

spdislife

Motul 600 in both.

0Todd TCE

Given the clutch fluid doesn't see much of a temp problem...I'd say about any good brake fluid is fine. Flush it yearly for moisture issues and to purge any water in the line. Never heard of anyone boiling clutch fluid. What you run in the brakes should be more than fine for the clutch.

BEZ06

Au contraire!!!!!

I don't know about the other gens, but as mentioned earlier the C6 clutch fluid put in at the factory is a Super DOT 4, but the brake system gets DOT 3.

The line from the C6 clutch fluid reservoir goes down by the exhaust manifold to the master cylinder beside the bell housing, then the line from the master goes into the bell housing to the slave cylinder (clutch actuator).

It's very hot down in that area and that's why the OE clutch fluid is of a higher boiling point than the that used in the brake system.

Guys driving on the street and drag racers rarely report any problems with boiling brake fluid, but I see posts all the time that they have clutch problems from dirty or overtemped clutch fluid.

Bob

rayk

At 5300 miles, my clutch fluid was pure black and clutch action was grabby as hell. Had to do the Ranger method 3 times to flush it with Motul 600 and now it's smooth again. Way easier to drive. In Canada, GM calls for Dot 4 Brake fluid instead of the GM clutch fluid, so I figured the Motul was OK.

sebdavid

Why wouldn't ATE blue work? That's what I use for clutch fluid.

VGLNTE1

like others posted here, ive heard of people using performance brake fluid, and it ruining the parts

rayk

Is it aftermarket parts or C5 or earlier?

sebdavid

I'm not sure you're reaching the right conclusion from the testimonies in this thread. Two people are mentioning problems: one used a specific kind of brake fluid (Motul) and had problems with his (aftermarket) clutch. He then started using a different kind of brake fluid (Castrol) and it's now working fine.

Another person mentions using very old (Ferodo) fluid and it failing in the clutch. He is also now using a different kind of brake fluid (Wilwood) with good results.

From this thread it seems everybody is using brake fluid (often the same fluid they use for their brakes) in their clutch with no problems.

froggy47

IMO most high perf american aftermkt fluids are going to work & also agree that high temp is better due to routing of line near header & ESPECIALLY if you run real headers.

The newer GM dot 4 may be fine also, have not tried it.

CLEAN is paramount.