Brake fluid replacement question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 384
From: Williamsburg VA
Brake fluid replacement question
Two years ago in April I changed to DOT 4 for a track day which was delayed until Sept 2017.
Doing another in April 2020.
I've put on only 6,000 miles since 4/17...live in southeast, not cold, garaged, weekly drives.
Time for a refresh? Bleed and new?
Thanks
Doing another in April 2020.
I've put on only 6,000 miles since 4/17...live in southeast, not cold, garaged, weekly drives.
Time for a refresh? Bleed and new?
Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 92
Likes: 42
From: Jacksonville, IL
Most DE's require similar inspections (depending on region/car club hosting). I would consider, at a bare minimum, a full brake fluid flush at the beginning of each season, with a simple bleed before each event. It's amazing the discoloration of fluids at and around the caliper that comes out with the bleed. Of all the areas of concern for track prep, I'd put brakes at the top! And I'm tired of waiting for the brakes to cool down between sessions to do a quick bleed when laziness sets in and pedal feel isn't quite right. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 384
From: Williamsburg VA
Most DE's require similar inspections (depending on region/car club hosting). I would consider, at a bare minimum, a full brake fluid flush at the beginning of each season, with a simple bleed before each event. It's amazing the discoloration of fluids at and around the caliper that comes out with the bleed. Of all the areas of concern for track prep, I'd put brakes at the top! And I'm tired of waiting for the brakes to cool down between sessions to do a quick bleed when laziness sets in and pedal feel isn't quite right. Hope this helps.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 676
Likes: 111
You need full replacement of your brake fluid, and you should not keep DOT4 in your brake system that long. Overtime, DOT4 absorb water, which reduces it's effectiveness. It has nothing to do with the number of miles. Castrol SRF is the exception, because it has high dry and boiling point, so it can be left in he system for longer, but diffidently not for 2 years.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 384
From: Williamsburg VA
You need full replacement of your brake fluid, and you should not keep DOT4 in your brake system that long. Overtime, DOT4 absorb water, which reduces it's effectiveness. It has nothing to do with the number of miles. Castrol SRF is the exception, because it has high dry and boiling point, so it can be left in he system for longer, but diffidently not for 2 years.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 92
Likes: 42
From: Jacksonville, IL
I've always run Motul, although I'm still 2 weeks out from running the GS on track for the first time. I've seen a lot of input on Castrol SRF on this forum. +1 on feedback from fellow members with on-track experience. Side note - my last car was a LS3 transplant with C6 Z06 brakes in a BMW, and Motul worked very well. Apples to oranges... And, can I get a like for being a convert back to Corvette?!? (Thanks mtaxman!)
Last edited by jwkeychain; Feb 17, 2020 at 11:07 AM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 676
Likes: 111
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 384
From: Williamsburg VA
I've read the manual and nowhere is it stated what the oil fluid capacity is with a full bleed.
How much do I need to buy...a top foreign car shop here can get either Motul 600 or ATE type 200...Not that I'd risk the car on cost concerns but ATE is 1/2 of Motul and specs are real close.
Thoughts?
How much do I need to buy...a top foreign car shop here can get either Motul 600 or ATE type 200...Not that I'd risk the car on cost concerns but ATE is 1/2 of Motul and specs are real close.
Thoughts?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 676
Likes: 111
I've read the manual and nowhere is it stated what the oil fluid capacity is with a full bleed.
How much do I need to buy...a top foreign car shop here can get either Motul 600 or ATE type 200...Not that I'd risk the car on cost concerns but ATE is 1/2 of Motul and specs are real close.
Thoughts?
How much do I need to buy...a top foreign car shop here can get either Motul 600 or ATE type 200...Not that I'd risk the car on cost concerns but ATE is 1/2 of Motul and specs are real close.
Thoughts?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I agree plan on 1 liter (two 500 ml containers) plus an extra container in case there are any issues while doing the job. Last thing you want is to be 3/4 of the way through the job and find out you used more than planned and have to run off and buy more.
Bill
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
I got a brake fluid moisture tester since I'm down in humid FL to keep tabs on it. but since I track year round the fluid never really has a chance to go bad.