Brake Fluid

[fazersharp]

Refurbing my rear brake. Is there any reason not to buy cheap Carlube DOT 4 brake fluid ?

[Gnasher]

Any DOT4 is fine.

[fazersharp]

Any DOT4 is fine.

Thanks DOT4 is DOT4 - right.

[Gnasher]

Any DOT4 is fine.

Thanks DOT4 is DOT4 - right.

Sure is 

[darrsi]

A refurb after 22 years and you're asking about "cheap" brake fluid?
Even the good stuff is under £10 

[fazersharp]

A refurb after 22 years and you're asking about "cheap" brake fluid?
Even the good stuff is under £10 

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. 

[Gnasher]

A refurb after 22 years and you're asking about "cheap" brake fluid?
Even the good stuff is under £10 

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.
   

[fazersharp]

A refurb after 22 years and you're asking about "cheap" brake fluid?
Even the good stuff is under £10 

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 

[Gnasher]

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    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.

[fazersharp]

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    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

[agricola]

Here you go https://blog.amsoil.com/dot-3-and-dot-4-brake-fluid-whats-the-difference/

[mtread]

DOT 3,4 or 5?


I always use this one

[Gnasher]

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.   

[darrsi]

DOT 3,4 or 5?


I always use this one

 

[robbo]

Pretty certain Harleys use Dot 5. About the only bike I can think of that does.

[Gnasher]

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.   

[Trebus]

Only the good stuff for me lads 😀

[fazersharp]

Only the good stuff for me lads 😀

Exp April 1973 

[Trebus]

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 😂