Question about Fluids
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 921
Likes: 146
From: Fairfax VA
Question about Fluids
OK, I've looked all over the forum and the user manual but can't find too many consistencies and want some answers.
Brake Fluid: Is it alright to use fully synthetic Brake fluid? I use Valvoline Syn Power full synthetic brake fluid for my clutch but is it also fine for the Brakes, or should I use something else? It says Exceeds Dot 3 and Dot 4 compatible with Conventional Brake fluids?
Manual Z-51 Transmission Fluid: I want to upgrade to Dexron VI. I can't seem to find any in the stores though. Should I just buy from the dealer? I'd like to use Mobil 1 synthetic but the only one I could find was Mercon V but it sounded on the back like it met Dexron VI standards? They couldn't have made it any more confusing.
One more question, is it alright to use a vaccuum Bleeder on the brake lines? I'm not sure how it will work with the ABS.
Any help is appreciated.
Brake Fluid: Is it alright to use fully synthetic Brake fluid? I use Valvoline Syn Power full synthetic brake fluid for my clutch but is it also fine for the Brakes, or should I use something else? It says Exceeds Dot 3 and Dot 4 compatible with Conventional Brake fluids?
Manual Z-51 Transmission Fluid: I want to upgrade to Dexron VI. I can't seem to find any in the stores though. Should I just buy from the dealer? I'd like to use Mobil 1 synthetic but the only one I could find was Mercon V but it sounded on the back like it met Dexron VI standards? They couldn't have made it any more confusing.
One more question, is it alright to use a vaccuum Bleeder on the brake lines? I'm not sure how it will work with the ABS.
Any help is appreciated.
Last edited by masihman; Sep 10, 2007 at 09:42 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 1
From: CA
1. It is okay to use DOT3, DOT4, or DOT5.1 brake fluid. Do not use DOT5 silicone brake fluid. I use DOT5.1 fluid in the brake and clutch lines.
2. A vacuum bleeder works great on the C6. I use one.
3. The best manual transmission fluids, IMO, are either Royal Purple Synchromax or Redline D4ATF. Both seem to work well. Others have obtained good results with Mobil-1 ATF and Amsoil ATF.
2. A vacuum bleeder works great on the C6. I use one.
3. The best manual transmission fluids, IMO, are either Royal Purple Synchromax or Redline D4ATF. Both seem to work well. Others have obtained good results with Mobil-1 ATF and Amsoil ATF.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
AMSOIL recently reformulated its ATF and it is now labeled to be suitable for applications requiring Dexron III and VI.
AMSOIL ATF
AMSOIL ATF
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C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 1
From: Broomall PA
I use DOT 3 and I'll tell you why. I bleed my brakes every year or two because brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs water). Fresh DOT 3 fluid will do a better job than polluted DOT 5 fluid. And you can get DOT 3 fluid at the dollar store, so there's no reason not to use it. If you do racing, you can upgrade to DOT 4 or 5, but the car was designed around DOT 3, so it should be fine.
I love having fresh fluid in my brake system. It really reduces problems. No rusting, no water turning to steam and having the brakes fail (this has happened to me), life is better with fresh brake fluid.
I love having fresh fluid in my brake system. It really reduces problems. No rusting, no water turning to steam and having the brakes fail (this has happened to me), life is better with fresh brake fluid.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,492
Likes: 807
From: West coast CA
I use DOT 3 and I'll tell you why. I bleed my brakes every year or two because brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs water). Fresh DOT 3 fluid will do a better job than polluted DOT 5 fluid. And you can get DOT 3 fluid at the dollar store, so there's no reason not to use it. If you do racing, you can upgrade to DOT 4 or 5, but the car was designed around DOT 3, so it should be fine.
I love having fresh fluid in my brake system. It really reduces problems. No rusting, no water turning to steam and having the brakes fail (this has happened to me), life is better with fresh brake fluid.
I love having fresh fluid in my brake system. It really reduces problems. No rusting, no water turning to steam and having the brakes fail (this has happened to me), life is better with fresh brake fluid.
Short answer: the Valvoline DOT 3/4 is fine. I myself run Motul 600 in the brakes, and more importantly in the clutch, because the clutch fluid is especially prone to overheating.
