catch2otwo

So I found the DIY on Cad Faq but I cant find anything on what type of fluid to use. Can I use any DOT4 brake fluid? I have a couple bottles of Bel Ray brake/clutch fluid for my motorcycle, would that be ok to use? Id assume brake fluid is brake fluid, the only difference is dot 3 or 4?

Darkman

iTrader: (2)

Either Dot 3 or Dot 4 (better) will work and they are cross-compatable.

scatillac

iTrader: (12)

It's better to use fresh fluid in lieu of stuff that's been opened and sitting around.

A good high-temp DOT 4 compatible is US Brake's Ultra HTX 600+. It's popular in short track cars and is much more tolerant of heat than most.

catch2otwo

None of the fluid I have on the shelf is opened. I think I will also have some ate super blue left over from bleeding the brakes next weekend, can I just use that?

wcryan

iTrader: (2)

not trying to go against what everyone is telling you.... GM calls for hydraulic clutch fluid, which is up the *** expensive.

I use DOT 4 Synthetic which works PERFECT for me. Don't get the crap from the dealership..... waste of money

meatyCTS-V

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/acces...tail.jsp?ID=21

Go with the Super Blue.

We use that stuff on our Miata's down here, no problemo. But our Miata's also call for using brake fluid with it, not a specific hyraulic fluid.

-meaty

catch2otwo

So anyone think it will be a problem if I just use my ATE super blue? I see meatys post but anyone ever use it in the clutch? I just dont want to screw anything up before my trackday.

Darkman

iTrader: (2)

From their website:

"ATE Super Blue Racing High Performance Brake Fluid is designed to excel within the extreme demands made on a race vehicle and exceeds all DOT4 standards. It is compatible with and will mix well with most DOT3, DOT4, or DOT 5.1 fluids."

catch2otwo

hahaha sooooooo..........

raven154

iTrader: (14)

I have super blue in the brakes and the clutch right now! I have never had a single problem.

catch2otwo

Thats all I needed to hear. Thanks for the info.

wcryan

iTrader: (2)

I don't think it would be a big issue unless your tracking your car. The differences are just boiling temps and thickness

JNR_Design

iTrader: (3)

Brake fluid = hydraulic fluid, fwiw...DOT 3 and DOT 4 are interchangeable and can be mixed, chemically speaking, but never use DOT 5 (silicone) in something that still has 3/4 on it, or visa versa. Nice thing about 5 is it won't eat your paint and has a slightly higher boiling point + does not attract water like 3/4, iirc, but it's $$$

I wouldn't run anything less than a DOT 4 in the clutch system though, due to the heat and so on and personally, I like synthetic only for the clutch. I've tried many different kinds in the past and have been pretty happy with most all of them. Right now I'm running Castrol GTLMA syn and it's reasonable price and has good properties. I had an awsome chart at one time that listed various fluids and their properties...Amazing the spectrum within a DOt 3 or DOT 4...Want to say there was a Ford fluid that was really good for the $.

Most important thing is just be sure it's clean and not collecting water (why it's not a good idea to keep brake fluid around in an opened container)...

I wish I could remember the stuff I have in the galant vr-4, as it is awesome stuff...It's blue and lasts a long time (have a stout clutch in there and a few hard launches on AWD), but $$$.

raven154

iTrader: (14)

What JNR said! ^^^^ BTW brake fluid is hyrdoscopic! That is why its always best not to use cans that have been opened and sitting around a while.

catch2otwo

Cool, Ill be using the ATE super blue once I finish the brakes then. Just finished changing the oil, trans oil, rear diff oil this weekend. Next weekend will be the brake and clutch fluid. Then ill be read for the V's first trackday!

GhettoTy

iTrader: (2)

Did anyone else catch this? Just wondering.

meatyCTS-V

And don't ever squirt it in your eye... a friend had it squirt in his, and had to go to the ER. Stuff is SCARY!

Lots and lots of miatas use the Super Blue in their track cars and spec Miatas.

Should be just fine in the caddy.

-meaty

raven154

iTrader: (14)

Brake fluid is hydraulic fluid! I'm not sure how many more times it needs to be said that super blue will be just fine. Lots of people use it when they track the V.