Synthetic brake fluid - a no-no?
10-22-2007, 01:40 PM
#1
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Synthetic brake fluid - a no-no? I'm getting ready to do a c5 brake upgrade and I saw some synthetic brake fliud at the parts store this weekend.
I heard that this does not mix well with the conventional Dot 3, Dot 4 fluid and it may damage the caliper piston seals, master seals, etc.
Is this used only in newer applications? What is the advantage?
I heard that this does not mix well with the conventional Dot 3, Dot 4 fluid and it may damage the caliper piston seals, master seals, etc.
Is this used only in newer applications? What is the advantage?
10-22-2007, 01:57 PM
#2
I run the DOT4 synthetic in my bike, with no problems at all. While I was changing fluid, I also flushed the system, but it is supposed to be backward compatible. But it never hurts to flush the system periodically, anyway.
I selected it because it was not that much more than original DOT4 non-synthetic.
I have heard of issues with DOT5 synthetic, but not DOT4.
Valvoline(R) claims:
"SynPower High Performance Synthetic Brake Fluid is recommended for ABS, hydraulic drum and disc braking systems and hydraulic clutches requiring DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids. Its premium, synthetic, low-moisture formulation provides superior anti-vapor lock protection. It has a high dry-boiling point up to 500°F that reduces the risk of fluid vaporization and possible brake failure.
Exceeds DOT 3 and DOT 4 specifications
For most ABS, disc or drum brake systems
High boiling point reduces risk of brake failure
Compatible with conventional brake fluids"
I selected it because it was not that much more than original DOT4 non-synthetic.
I have heard of issues with DOT5 synthetic, but not DOT4.
Valvoline(R) claims:
"SynPower High Performance Synthetic Brake Fluid is recommended for ABS, hydraulic drum and disc braking systems and hydraulic clutches requiring DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids. Its premium, synthetic, low-moisture formulation provides superior anti-vapor lock protection. It has a high dry-boiling point up to 500°F that reduces the risk of fluid vaporization and possible brake failure.
Exceeds DOT 3 and DOT 4 specifications
For most ABS, disc or drum brake systems
High boiling point reduces risk of brake failure
Compatible with conventional brake fluids"
10-22-2007, 02:22 PM
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Thanks...
...the stuff I saw in the parts store was synthetic Dot 5.
I have some non-synthetic Castrol brake fliud that says it is compatible with Dot 3 and Dot 4 systems.
...the stuff I saw in the parts store was synthetic Dot 5.
I have some non-synthetic Castrol brake fliud that says it is compatible with Dot 3 and Dot 4 systems.
10-22-2007, 06:01 PM
#5
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Check out StopTech's Brake fluid Whitepaper:
http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...fluid_1a.shtml
I use ATE Super Blue which is DOT4.
Like MeentSS02 said, DON'T USE DOT5. Its not compatible with any other fluid and has some undesirable properties.
http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...fluid_1a.shtml
I use ATE Super Blue which is DOT4.
Like MeentSS02 said, DON'T USE DOT5. Its not compatible with any other fluid and has some undesirable properties.
Last edited by VIP1; 10-23-2007 at 12:12 AM.
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10-23-2007, 12:43 PM
#8
Do I get to be in a club if I said I just got some too from Sam? Like get a custom user title or something? 
Although I did get the TYP 200 since I'm flushing out the Blue. You know what they say..."out with the gold, in with the blue"...only backwards for me. Hardy har har...
Although I did get the TYP 200 since I'm flushing out the Blue. You know what they say..."out with the gold, in with the blue"...only backwards for me. Hardy har har...
