C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Dot 3 0r Dot 5 brake fluid?

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Old May 7, 2008 | 01:15 AM
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Default Dot 3 0r Dot 5 brake fluid?

I know this is for vettes, but this is the only forum I belong to. My daughter has a 2003 mustang. Which brake fluid does it use? Thank you.
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Old May 7, 2008 | 04:58 AM
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It should say on the filler cap of the brake master cylinder. DOT 3 or 4, most likely -- DOT 5 is silicone fluid, which should be considered race-only, and never used in a street car. The silicone fluid doesn't absorb water, which sounds nice on first impression, but it can lead to vapor pockets forming, which reduce the hydraulic efficiency of the system.
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Old May 7, 2008 | 05:49 AM
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Originally Posted by AGChoset
It should say on the filler cap of the brake master cylinder. DOT 3 or 4, most likely -- DOT 5 is silicone fluid, which should be considered race-only, and never used in a street car. The silicone fluid doesn't absorb water, which sounds nice on first impression, but it can lead to vapor pockets forming, which reduce the hydraulic efficiency of the system.
Dot 3 or Dot 4, quality/Brand name fluid should be fine for street use. Dot 5 can have some compatability issues, and should never be mixed with regular grades! That said, it can be useful for certain types of situations.
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Old May 7, 2008 | 09:51 AM
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DOT5 fluid is a silicone-based fluid and using it will cause cavitation in the ABS pump and that creates air bubbles. NEVER use DOT5 fluid in an ABS-equipped car

Domestic cars use DOT3 brake fluid as the original fill. Some European cars will use a DOT4 fluid.

For street use, a good quality DOT3 fluid will work just fine. Castrol LMA, Valvoline, or even the Ford Motorsports HD fluid will do the job.
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Old May 7, 2008 | 11:33 AM
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Just use standard DOT 3. If you want to go all out, you could get something like a Synthetic Blend DOT 3/4, but it isn't really necessary.
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Old May 7, 2008 | 07:13 PM
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Default brake fluid

Thank you all!!! This forum is awesome!!
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