Striker

iTrader: (1)

For those that have changed the hydraulic fluid, whats the recommended brand or should I just stick to the OE stuff?

Wesmanw02

iTrader: (4)

At a minimum, go with a brand name synthetic DOT4 fluid.

I used Valvoline DOT4 Synthetic at one point, but under hard use, it didn't last.

I now have ATE Superblue DOT4 Racing fluid in both the brakes and the clutch, and its been very good.

Striker

iTrader: (1)

Dumb Question-Are the brake and clutch fluid the same, or is it two different types of fluids?

The car is a street car with bolt ons.

NHRATA01

iTrader: (10)

Same basic fluid for the brakes and clutch.

I will say I have heard rumblings in the past that DOT5 should not be used on our cars as it degrades the master cylinder seals and at least on the clutch, a DOT 3 mineral oil was preferred over synthetic.

Striker

iTrader: (1)

Ok lets keep this thread going. I've got two opinions now. Lets see what everyone else says.

SWeiser31

iTrader: (9)

I use DOT3 in mine. Whatever advanced auto had, I don't remember the brand. I beat the crap out of my car at the track and have had no issues at all. I do have the tick master with an extra heat sleeve on the line. I would at least put the sleeve on it especially if it's a stock master and line. You can never have enough protection from heat with hydraulic lines.

Striker

iTrader: (1)

Sweiser31-Sending PM.

Wesmanw02

iTrader: (4)

You are correct about DOT5 fluid. It is non-hydroscopic and should not ever ben used in any modern car. It is not compatible with glycol based DOT3 or DOT4 fluids, nor the seals that are used in the hydraulic systems.

However, DOT3 is not mineral oil. All DOT3/4 fluid is technically "synthetic", which is why it is almost all labeled as such. There is no such thing as DOT3 mineral oil, they are two separate things. Older European cars (Audi, ect.) used to use mineral oil in their hydraulic brake systems, but not any more.

The best thing to use is high temp DOT4 fluid or DOT 5.1 (notice the .1) which is the highest temp formula. As I said, I use Superblue DOT4, and its been excellent. Castrol also makes a high performance brake fluid called SRF, which is rated to an extremely high 590 degrees, but its very cost prohibitive at $80 a quart. Its intended mostly for racing use.

Striker

iTrader: (1)

Wesman, how muich does the whole system take anyway?

Wesmanw02

iTrader: (4)

Not much...if I had to guess I'd say probably about 8 ounces. However, to adequately bleed the system and ensure all the air is out, you'll want at least a 12oz container of DOT4.

OutToWinPAHC

iTrader: (10)

GM recommends non-synthetic DOT 3, I picked up Prestone dot 3 (non synthetic).

Wesmanw02

iTrader: (4)

Its all the same stuff, all the newer fluids are labeled "synthetic". You must have picked up a bottle with an older label.

DOT4 is better than DOT3, and they are 100% compatible with each other. GM just specs out DOT3 because that is the minimum requirement for the system.

Striker

iTrader: (1)

I'm guessing the bottle is labeled as DOT4 brake fluid? I plan on picking some up locally as opposed to going the online route. Living in Canada sucks, we can't take advantage of any free shipping.

Wesmanw02

iTrader: (4)

Yes, if you want high temp fluid, go with DOT4. The bottle will be labeled as such, or may say DOT3/4, since it meets both specs. Make sure you go with a brand name such as Prestone or Valvoline as well, never trust store brands.

Bad Blu Formula

iTrader: (3)

Superblue or Motul 600 will do the trick. Both are DOT 4.