Brake Fluid Type

• Oct 29, 2019

• #21

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Stoney

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VANDAN said:

I am upgrading to front discs on my '63 build, so all new across the board, along with 11x2-1/2" in the rear. Since our cars are stored more, than driven, due to our short seasons here, what type of brake fluid is the best choice, for resisting moisture break down, resulting in failure ? All input appreciated, Thanks...

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Their is a reason the manufacture's put only dot 3,4 or 5 only on their products. That being said dot 3 is not synthetic. Dot 4 and 5 is. Besides dot 3 attracting moisture, the main benefits of dot 4 and 5 is they have a higher boiling point with dot 5 being higher. If you are installing all new brake components in your brake system including the brake lines I have upgraded to dot 5 with no problems. Do not mix dot 3 dot with 4 or 5. If you are not racing this car you really do not have to upgrade your brake fluid. Just change it every 5 years. The newer fluids can react with the older seals as they were never intended to be used with the newer fluids. Kind of the new gas we have to deal with. Good luck

 

• Oct 29, 2019

• #22

RJRENTON

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ir3333 said:

Keep your system in good repair and the type of brake fluid won't matter.
Dot 3,4 or 5 designates boiling point.

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I believe the numbers relate to the fluids compositions in addition to thr boiling pojnts.....glycol ether (DOT 3,4) and silicone; real difference between DOT 3 and DOT 4 are their boiling points, which are narrowed to dry and wet boiling points. ... DOT 5 brake fluid is silicone, meaning it doesn't absorb water ...
BOB RENTON

 

• Oct 29, 2019

• #23

themechanic

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• Oct 29, 2019

• #24

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• Oct 29, 2019

• #25

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• Oct 29, 2019

• #26

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https://forums.aaca.org/topic/318446-change-brake-fluid-from-dot-3-to-dot-5/

 

• Oct 31, 2019

• #27

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When I upgraded my rear brakes to disk I bought a kit from Dr. Diff. I also purchased a new MC. I asked Cass what fluid to use and he said to use DOT 4.
Frank

 

• Nov 22, 2019

• #28

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Synthetic for me, it does seem parts are not as good as they use to be, I replaced the master cylinder due to a leak, not much mileage, I do also like to press the brake pedal during storage to keep things lubed and working, at least the parts are cheap every three years a new master cylinder it leaks at the rear seal.