Brake fluid choices
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '14
Brake fluid choices
I am upgrading my brake system with Baer Eradaspeed, Hawks HPS Brakes pads and SS brAke lines.
My question has to do with brake fluid, should I use stock fluid or upgrade to Motul 5.1 or Motul RBF600.
I do not race the vette, at least not yet, but do some spirited driving. Seems that's if I am upgrading everything else in the brake system why not the brake fluid as well. I am concerned that if I am not racing that I could be causing potential problems with ABS, etc.
Any thoughts?
My question has to do with brake fluid, should I use stock fluid or upgrade to Motul 5.1 or Motul RBF600.
I do not race the vette, at least not yet, but do some spirited driving. Seems that's if I am upgrading everything else in the brake system why not the brake fluid as well. I am concerned that if I am not racing that I could be causing potential problems with ABS, etc.
Any thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Be advised to not use any synthetics in ABS systems since the fluid can/will create bubbles under ABS conditions.
http://www.motorweek.org/features/go...fluids_and_abs
Also #7 in this link.
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/brakes/0509sc-fluid/
In non ABS systems one should also flush out all the non synthetic fluid before using a synthetic.
Mr. Sam
PS: When I said synthetics I meant silicone fluid. Sorry
http://www.motorweek.org/features/go...fluids_and_abs
Also #7 in this link.
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/brakes/0509sc-fluid/
In non ABS systems one should also flush out all the non synthetic fluid before using a synthetic.
Mr. Sam
PS: When I said synthetics I meant silicone fluid. Sorry
Last edited by dadaroo; Sep 9, 2015 at 10:54 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If you are not driving the car hard (no track use) then you should be OK with a good quality DOT3 or a DOT4 fluid. Castrol LMA is a good DOT3 fluid as is the Ford 
HD Motorsports fluid. These two fluids are available in small containers so you don't have to buy a full quart and not use all of it. Both of these fluids have wet boiling points at the high end of the DOT3 scale.
For a DOT4 fluid, you can use ATE TYP200. The MOTUL RBF600 will work fine too. With a DOT4 fluid, I would suggest an annual flush of the brake fluid.
HD Motorsports fluid. These two fluids are available in small containers so you don't have to buy a full quart and not use all of it. Both of these fluids have wet boiling points at the high end of the DOT3 scale.For a DOT4 fluid, you can use ATE TYP200. The MOTUL RBF600 will work fine too. With a DOT4 fluid, I would suggest an annual flush of the brake fluid.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '14
If you are not driving the car hard (no track use) then you should be OK with a good quality DOT3 or a DOT4 fluid. Castrol LMA is a good DOT3 fluid as is the Ford HD Motorsports fluid. These two fluids are available in small containers so you don't have to buy a full quart and not use all of it. Both of these fluids have wet boiling points at the high end of the DOT3 scale.
For a DOT4 fluid, you can use ATE TYP200. The MOTUL RBF600 will work fine too. With a DOT4 fluid, I would suggest an annual flush of the brake fluid.
HD Motorsports fluid. These two fluids are available in small containers so you don't have to buy a full quart and not use all of it. Both of these fluids have wet boiling points at the high end of the DOT3 scale.For a DOT4 fluid, you can use ATE TYP200. The MOTUL RBF600 will work fine too. With a DOT4 fluid, I would suggest an annual flush of the brake fluid.
Most fluids seem to be both DOT3 and DOT4 to make things even more confusing. Originally my owners manual says to use Delco Supreme 11 (DOT-3). But it appears that this is no longer made. It just seems wrong to put Ford oil in a Corvette!
I am wondering if this is a case of where less is more! Any one know the capacity of the brake system?
Last edited by Dave-A; Sep 7, 2015 at 04:50 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
you can use a syn dot4, you just won't want to use syn dot5
i agree with cruiser and would buy the ate typ200 simply because it's the best value
flush yearly or every other year if you're lazy and you're good to go
the worst fluid is the fluid that is not changed regularly
i agree with cruiser and would buy the ate typ200 simply because it's the best value
flush yearly or every other year if you're lazy and you're good to go
the worst fluid is the fluid that is not changed regularly
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Not sure they still make the Castrol LMA, but the Castrol DOT 4 retains the same low moisture absorption properties. I just bought 7 quarts for a fluid flush in my motorhome from the motorcycle superstore who had the best price on it.
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Former Vendor
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From: Lewisville TX
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
There are a ton of choices out there....but given the market, and popularity of it, Motul RBF 600 is probably one of your best choices out there right now given that you are not really tracking the car. I would still suggest normal brake flushes on it to keep it fresh as that will kill any fluid no matter how good it is.
As they said above, stay away from the DOT 5 synthetic stuff.....not compatible with the seals in your system.
As they said above, stay away from the DOT 5 synthetic stuff.....not compatible with the seals in your system.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 535
Likes: 92
From: Raleigh NC
As mentioned above, I like ATE Type 200 fluid. Runs about $20 for a liter. And will be suitable when you start tracking the car.
I use a Motive power bleeder to pressurize the system. I haven't done the Corvette yet but I've used the system on my track miata on a regular basis. Super easy.
I use a Motive power bleeder to pressurize the system. I haven't done the Corvette yet but I've used the system on my track miata on a regular basis. Super easy.