Mixed brake fluids - 2 wheels locked
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
Just be careful when you replace the rubber hoses that you buy new ones that are designed and approved for use on the roads of the U.S.. If the hoses are not approved for use on our roads the insurance people can back away from responsibility if they discover the cheaper hoses.
Classic Tube has some really nice sets in a variety of colors and they ARE D.O.T. approved.
Classic Tube has some really nice sets in a variety of colors and they ARE D.O.T. approved.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,742
Likes: 2,583
Thank you. That is a much more detailed answer. As you now know the problem is internal to the calipers and will require disassembly. The fluid mix did not cause this.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 51
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From: Kannapolis North Carolina
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Mixing 2 types of brake fluid that actually don't mix. Does not physically lock up a caliper. Take your calipers apart and see what's going on.
And no, your not the first one to try to blame brake fluid for brake issues. Couldn't be moisture in the system, couldn't be that your car is 45 years old only about 30 years past it's use by date!
And no, your not the first one to try to blame brake fluid for brake issues. Couldn't be moisture in the system, couldn't be that your car is 45 years old only about 30 years past it's use by date!
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
The only way mixing two brake fluids would cause a lock-up issue is if the fluids are chemically reactive --- and these are not. They don't want anything to do with each other and will do all they can to stay as far apart as possible. That's one of the tests for what fluid is in a system: drain some out and pour in an equal amount of DOT 3,4 or 5point1; shake or stir: if they separate = DOT 5; if they mix = DOT 3, 4, 5point1.
