Which Brake Fluid?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Which Brake Fluid?
Hi Guys & Gals,
Which brake fluid are you using for the 07, C6 w/ /Z51 package.? I went to the dealer & the guy doesn't know which brake fluid. I have use dot 4 for the last 2 years. It seems like I have to fill my brake fluid every 6 months (1/2 to 3/4 quart). Is this normal? Thank you for all of your advice.
Which brake fluid are you using for the 07, C6 w/ /Z51 package.? I went to the dealer & the guy doesn't know which brake fluid. I have use dot 4 for the last 2 years. It seems like I have to fill my brake fluid every 6 months (1/2 to 3/4 quart). Is this normal? Thank you for all of your advice.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 633
Likes: 13
From: Hurley New York
DOT 4 for me.
DOT 3 is fine, DOT 4 has higher temp rating.
Do not use DOT 5, silicone.
What your describing sounds very strange. I normally never add brake fluid. The most was a shot glass worth after pads wear down. The master doesn't hold enough to drop by 1/2 a quart. I've only ever bought a quart when I flush the brake sytem completely when I change pads. Adding fluid regularly would make me look for a leak.
pic, not from a Vette.
Do not use DOT 5, silicone.
What your describing sounds very strange. I normally never add brake fluid. The most was a shot glass worth after pads wear down. The master doesn't hold enough to drop by 1/2 a quart. I've only ever bought a quart when I flush the brake sytem completely when I change pads. Adding fluid regularly would make me look for a leak.
pic, not from a Vette.
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
The only way to lose brake fluid is a leak somewhere. As pads wear down, fluid level in master cylinder will fall slightly, but to see the amount of fluid vanish that you describe there must be a leak. Look and see if any of the wheel cylinders are wet in the outside.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: DFW This user does not support or recommend the product or service displayed in the ad to the right
IMMEDIATELY GET YOUR CAR TO A DEALER / TECH THAT KNOWS WTF THEY ARE DOING!
What you are describing sounds like a serious safety issue, you should not be losing any fluid.
I prefer Castrol SRF fluid, but not until you have the issue corrected.
What you are describing sounds like a serious safety issue, you should not be losing any fluid.
I prefer Castrol SRF fluid, but not until you have the issue corrected.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Have you checked below the master cylinder for a leak. Mine started to leak at the base of the master cylinder. IF fluid leaks around the plunger seal, it will run out and down the booster drum. You should never have to add fluid unless you have a leak. Even the fluid drop due to pad wear is within the capacity of the master cylinder reservoir.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
As mentioned, have your brake system checked by a competent dealership...not the dealer that doesn't know which brake fluid to use! You shouldn't be losing brake fluid.
I use Motul 600 brake fluid...if it performs well under the demanding conditions of a race track you can be assured it will perform well with street use.
I use Motul 600 brake fluid...if it performs well under the demanding conditions of a race track you can be assured it will perform well with street use.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
It really depends on what you're going to do. If you're just going to run on the street, Motul RBF600 or ATE Super Blue is great fluid. If you're going to track the car, I recommend the Castrol SRF.
I've cooked Motul at the track with agressive pads (one of my other cars). Feeling the pedal go to the floor at the end of the straightaway gets your attention. That's not to say I couldn't have cooked the Castrol SRF, but I added some front ducts and the SRF and never had any problems again. The Z06 brake ducts are cheap and you can pick them up from Gene Culley. The Castrol SRF isn't cheap, but it's great fluid and you won't need to change it as often (in my experience).
San
I've cooked Motul at the track with agressive pads (one of my other cars). Feeling the pedal go to the floor at the end of the straightaway gets your attention. That's not to say I couldn't have cooked the Castrol SRF, but I added some front ducts and the SRF and never had any problems again. The Z06 brake ducts are cheap and you can pick them up from Gene Culley. The Castrol SRF isn't cheap, but it's great fluid and you won't need to change it as often (in my experience).
San
Malinois Dad
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,570
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From: Kent WA
You can use DOT 4 and even possibly DOT 5.1 but DO NOT USE DOT 5 in your existing brake system. It is designed for a different brake system and you will have seal and other problems.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
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From: A galaxy far, far away...
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '26
^^^^^ Use Motul 600, it has the highest Dry & Wet boiling temps that you can buy 
Moderator
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
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[QUOTE=///DarkSide\\\;1569228855
Use Motul 600, it has the highest Dry & Wet boiling temps that you can buy [/QUOTE]
While Motul 600 is very good, it does not have higher wet boiling points than Castrol SRF. I always consider the wet numbers as the numbers to use. Also, the Castrol is much less susceptible to absorb water than RBF so it will stay "dry" much longer than RBF.
I found it cheaper to use the SRF and bleed it 1X or 2X per year than it was to do the 600 once a month or sometimes 2X per month. Plus it is just less hassle.
Use Motul 600, it has the highest Dry & Wet boiling temps that you can buy [/QUOTE]While Motul 600 is very good, it does not have higher wet boiling points than Castrol SRF. I always consider the wet numbers as the numbers to use. Also, the Castrol is much less susceptible to absorb water than RBF so it will stay "dry" much longer than RBF.
I found it cheaper to use the SRF and bleed it 1X or 2X per year than it was to do the 600 once a month or sometimes 2X per month. Plus it is just less hassle.
Last edited by C6400hp; Mar 9, 2009 at 10:20 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,359
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From: Los Alamitos California
St. Jude Donor '09
While Motul 600 is very good, it does not have higher wet boiling points than Castrol SRF. I always consider the wet numbers as the numbers to use. Also, the Castrol is much less susceptible to absorb water than RBF.
I found it cheaper to use the SRF and bleed it 2X per year than it was to do the 600 once a month or sometimes 2X per month. Plus it is just less hassle.
I found it cheaper to use the SRF and bleed it 2X per year than it was to do the 600 once a month or sometimes 2X per month. Plus it is just less hassle.
San
