Brake Fluid question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 12, 2003 | 04:59 PM

Matt383

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,905

Likes: 1

From: 2003 Points Champ Great Lakes Corvette Challenge; 2006/2007 Winner MSD True Street

Brake Fluid question

I've got stock '88 Z52 calipers.
13" fronts, 11" rear, cross drilled, GT big brake rotors, stainless lines.
I'm flushing the fluid this week while doing a mild resurface/new pads brake job.
Question is.: I've got DOT 4 in there now. Should I keep it dot 4 in it? I know DOT 5 WILL NOT WORK! So DOT 4 or DOT 3?
This car is drag race/street strip. No road courses. Also, any pad recommndations?
Thanks! :confused:

May 12, 2003 | 05:10 PM

mean8t

Racer

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 472

Likes: 0

From: Tampa Bay Area

Re: Brake Fluid question (MJT383NO2)

There is only 2 types of fluid I use.

1) Ford Blue DOT 3, 550* dry boiling point
2)Valvoline Synthetic DOT 4 502* dry boiling point

The valvoline actually has a much higher wet boiling point. Which means it doesn't absord as much water and therefore, retains a higher boiling point at it saturation point. I use Ford Blue in the Vette and the Valvoline in the Jeep.

Josh

May 12, 2003 | 05:53 PM

bogus

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 40,156

Likes: 45

From: San Pedro CA

Re: Brake Fluid question (mean8t)

I am using the Vavoline. No problems.

May 12, 2003 | 05:55 PM

pwrful c4

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 1,159

Likes: 0

From: royal palm beach florida

Re: Brake Fluid question (MJT383NO2)

Valvoline works well for me. :steering:

May 12, 2003 | 06:01 PM

Matt383

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,905

Likes: 1

From: 2003 Points Champ Great Lakes Corvette Challenge; 2006/2007 Winner MSD True Street

Re: Brake Fluid question (pwrful c4)

So the question now would be.....Is it OK to switch to Dot3 after using Dot4?
Also what hi perf pads. if any , are you guys using?
Thanks! :chevy

May 12, 2003 | 06:24 PM

Fuzzy Dice

Race Director

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 19,653

Likes: 428

From: Melbourne Florida

Cruise-In IV Veteran

Re: Brake Fluid question (MJT383NO2)

I'm running DOT 4 with Stillen rotors and Ceramix pads..I have no trouble at the track.... :D

May 12, 2003 | 09:00 PM

PeteL

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 8,540

Likes: 1

From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff

Re: Brake Fluid question (mean8t)

Quote:

The valvoline actually has a much higher wet boiling point. Which means it doesn't absord as much water and therefore, retains a higher boiling point at it saturation point.

Believe it or not, that is not true! There is currently no way to determine the "propensity" of a brake fluid to absorb water by looking at specifications.

The wet boiling point is simply a % of water, not the time it takes to get there or a terminal point.

Makes the number sort of impossible to compare. The standards (engineers) organizations are working on this specification. Today, we have no way to know by looking at a bottle or a web sight.

Original question:

You can use DOT 3 or 4 => forward or backward. Flush every two years and you will have no worries on the street or strip. On a road course requires more attention.

FORD HD DOT 3 is great, but flush often (two years max).
Have no opinion on Valvoline.
I am using ATE (pronunced Ah-Tay) which is a very good fluid (Blue, Gold)
If you want the best use Castrol SRF, but get the check book out.

Buy brake fluid fresh, only in a metal can. Plastic allows small amounts of water to enter. Plastic / rubber is how water gets into your brake system (MC and brake lines mostly). Point is, who knows how long a plastic bottle of brake fluid has been in some store or warehouse. Metal cans are good.

Good luck with your choice,

Pete