Date: 29-03-24  Time: 08:48 am

Author Topic: Brake Fluid  (Read 1632 times)

fazersharp

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Brake Fluid
« on: 31 March 2020, 03:37:20 pm »
Refurbing my rear brake. Is there any reason not to buy cheap Carlube DOT 4 brake fluid ?
I don't do rain or threat there of. dry rider only with no shame.

Gnasher

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #1 on: 31 March 2020, 03:44:23 pm »
Any DOT4 is fine.
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fazersharp

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #2 on: 31 March 2020, 04:47:39 pm »
Any DOT4 is fine.
Thanks DOT4 is DOT4 - right.
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Gnasher

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #3 on: 31 March 2020, 05:52:43 pm »
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darrsi

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #4 on: 01 April 2020, 11:16:55 am »
A refurb after 22 years and you're asking about "cheap" brake fluid?
Even the good stuff is under £10  :groan
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fazersharp

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #5 on: 01 April 2020, 11:26:25 am »
A refurb after 22 years and you're asking about "cheap" brake fluid?
Even the good stuff is under £10  :groan
Which is the best DOT 4 to use then. It is and it isn't about cost. I don't need to order from a bike shop and pay more than the item in post when I can get it from the Asda garage, but they dont sell fancy DOT 4 - only cheaper stuff like Carplan. 
I don't do rain or threat there of. dry rider only with no shame.

Gnasher

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #6 on: 01 April 2020, 11:35:06 am »
A refurb after 22 years and you're asking about "cheap" brake fluid?
Even the good stuff is under £10  :groan
Which is the best DOT 4 to use then. It is and it isn't about cost. I don't need to order from a bike shop and pay more than the item in post when I can get it from the Asda garage, but they dont sell fancy DOT 4 - only cheaper stuff like Carplan.


DOT 4 is DOT 4 pretty much or at least they will perform as a minimum to the standard which is fine, bit like fuel Shell, Esso, BP, Texaco, Gulf etc have refineries.  Supermarkets buy their fuel from them but without a markers additives.  Carplan and many others don't make it they buy it and brand it same as fuel.
   
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fazersharp

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #7 on: 01 April 2020, 11:49:35 am »
A refurb after 22 years and you're asking about "cheap" brake fluid?
Even the good stuff is under £10  :groan
Which is the best DOT 4 to use then. It is and it isn't about cost. I don't need to order from a bike shop and pay more than the item in post when I can get it from the Asda garage, but they dont sell fancy DOT 4 - only cheaper stuff like Carplan.


DOT 4 is DOT 4 pretty much or at least they will perform as a minimum to the standard which is fine, bit like fuel Shell, Esso, BP, Texaco, Gulf etc have refineries.  Supermarkets buy their fuel from them but without a markers additives.  Carplan and many others don't make it they buy it and brand it same as fuel.
   
What about "universal" like this one on sportsbike shop https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/47186 at £8.12.  And the Motul DOT 3 and 4 at £6.41 
I don't do rain or threat there of. dry rider only with no shame.

Gnasher

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #8 on: 01 April 2020, 12:44:29 pm »
What about "universal" like this one on sportsbike shop https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/47186 at £8.12.  And the Motul DOT 3 and 4 at £6.41


Yes mate  :thumbup  it's actually DOT5.1 which is what I use, it can be mixed with any DOT3 or 4 fluid but not repeat not DOT5.
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fazersharp

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #9 on: 01 April 2020, 01:44:42 pm »
What about "universal" like this one on sportsbike shop https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/47186 at £8.12.  And the Motul DOT 3 and 4 at £6.41


Yes mate  :thumbup  it's actually DOT5.1 which is what I use, it can be mixed with any DOT3 or 4 fluid but not repeat not DOT5.
So its good for changing fluid in a bike that you do not know the grade of fluid is in there already as there will always be remnants of the old in there --- is that right ?

 Also what use is DOT 3
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agricola

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #10 on: 01 April 2020, 02:39:29 pm »

mtread

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #11 on: 01 April 2020, 03:02:28 pm »
DOT 3,4 or 5?


I always use this one

Gnasher

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #12 on: 01 April 2020, 03:25:18 pm »
So its good for changing fluid in a bike that you do not know the grade of fluid is in there already as there will always be remnants of the old in there --- is that right ?


Yep........  Unless it's DOT5 this you wont or shouldn't come across on bikes, unless some nit has used it by mistake.  5.1 is a much improved version of 5 and is compatible with DOT3 & 4 without it's handling issues.  DOT5 which is silicon based and handled more heat less hygroscopic, than 3- 4 but has handling issues I wont bore you with the details look it up if you're minded.  Just don't use it.

Also what use is DOT 3

It's not used much these days for drum brake systems that operate at lower temperatures, it's just has a lower boiling point.  All bike and cars for years have been DOT4 many are 5.1 nowadays. 

A few were made with 5 but most can be converted to 5.1 but require complete system strip and clean beforehand they can't be mixed.   

« Last Edit: 01 April 2020, 03:36:58 pm by Gnasher »
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darrsi

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #13 on: 01 April 2020, 03:35:39 pm »
DOT 3,4 or 5?


I always use this one


 :agree
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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #14 on: 01 April 2020, 06:23:14 pm »
Pretty certain Harleys use Dot 5. About the only bike I can think of that does.
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Gnasher

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #15 on: 01 April 2020, 06:45:04 pm »
Pretty certain Harleys use Dot 5. About the only bike I can think of that does.


They did for a short while a good 10 years ago, then the handling/service issues with DOT5 became apparent.  They switched over to DOT4 then 5.1 all their ABS/linked systems use 4 or 5.1, you can't use DOT5 in any ABS system car or bike just one of the issues with it.   
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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #16 on: 01 April 2020, 07:48:56 pm »
Only the good stuff for me lads 😀

fazersharp

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #17 on: 01 April 2020, 08:15:58 pm »
Only the good stuff for me lads 😀
Exp April 1973  :lol
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Trebus

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Re: Brake Fluid
« Reply #18 on: 01 April 2020, 08:55:22 pm »
It actually came from a garage clearance from my a deceased family member. Unopened tub, no water and therefore perfectly fit for purpose. No boiling so far. DOT 4 and 5.1 can be saved for the next century 😂