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

C4 Brake Fluid

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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 09:20 PM
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Default C4 Brake Fluid

I need to change the brake fluid on my 91. Can I use a synthetic oil or do I have to stick with the conventional fluid due to it's age? Any suggestions as to what I should use?

Thanks for your help.
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 09:34 PM
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Just do a brake flush, & then you can use regular or synthetic. I would not use DOT 5 fluid in your car though. Use DOT 3 or 4. They are polyglycol based. DOT 5 is silicone based & as far as I know, is not compatible with DOT 3 or 4.
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 09:39 PM
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I'm pretty happy with Ford Heavy Duty brake fluid, changing every year or two only because it's an autocross car.

Make sure you get the bleed order right - RR, LR, LF, RF.

Cheers,
- Jeff
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 09:49 PM
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Originally Posted by batchman
I'm pretty happy with Ford Heavy Duty brake fluid, changing every year or two only because it's an autocross car.

Make sure you get the bleed order right - RR, LR, LF, RF.

Cheers,
- Jeff
There is a specific order you need to follow? I didn't know that.
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by My 91
There is a specific order you need to follow? I didn't know that.
Usual rule of thumb on bleeding brakes is to start with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder and work your way to the one that's closest.

But that would be at odds with what was just proposed because the RF is farther from the master cyl than the LF.

Is this a Corvette only thing to bleed LF before RF? Please elaoborate.
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Old Jul 14, 2010 | 11:18 PM
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All brake fluid is synthetic. Just get some good Dot 3.

The 87 service manual says to bleed/flush in this order:

Right front, Right rear, Left rear, Left front.
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 10:01 AM
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You can use pretty much anything EXCEPT DOT5 fluid. We always flush with DOT4 because it has some pluses over DOT3, but you can use either. DOT5 is not appropriate for an ABS brake system.
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 12:34 PM
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Would it be OK to flush out the system and replace it with ATE Super Blue Racing which I think is a DOT 4?
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by My 91
Would it be OK to flush out the system and replace it with ATE Super Blue Racing which I think is a DOT 4?
That's what I have been considering to use.

But I would flush first with some cheap DOT 4 - fraction of ATE's price - and then replace that with ATE. Since that ATE is blue you'll see when you get new fluid out.
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Old Jul 15, 2010 | 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by TheFinn
That's what I have been considering to use.

But I would flush first with some cheap DOT 4 - fraction of ATE's price - and then replace that with ATE. Since that ATE is blue you'll see when you get new fluid out.
A nice primer on brake fluid...

http://www.stealth316.com/2-brakefluid.htm
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