Brake Fluid

[Seal3.0]

Hi Folks,

I think I already know the answer but thought to seek the advice of those that have already done it.

As you may know if you've seen my recent posts, I'm upgrading my 3.0i brakes (300mm) to the 3.0Si setup (325mm). I've now sourced all my parts, including braded brake lines. The last bit is the brake fluid. So 3 questions on this?

1) The brake fluid cap say DOT4 only? However I've read about people using 5/5.1 . Has this worked okay? No issues with the ABS system etc?
2) Is it DOT5 for 5.1 I need? Having read other posts it seems to be 5.1 as not to perish the seals. Is this correct?
3) Can the fluid change be done in the traditional manner? Disconnect the lines from the calipers, pump the brake pedal to force the old stuff out, add new and pump the pedal to force round and bleed the system.

Thanks. I'll post pic's in a seperate thread once complete

 

[sam1832]

5.1

As you say 5 will perish the seals

I have had 5.1 in for nearly a year now

All the calipers have bleed nipples on, so lossen one pump the peddle to force the old out. Get a one man brake bleeder really easy to do on your own, and dont let thw resivour run out of fluid


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[Seal3.0]

Thanks Sam.

Daft couple of questions as I've never changed the brake fluid before:
1) take it you have to bleed each caliper to get all of the old fluid out?
2) at what point do you know you've got all the old dot4 out if you're adding the new stuff in at the top to stop the reservoir running out?

You wouldn't believe I service the car, change water pumps (ford focus) and put a new airbox in a Sagaris (brothers) now would ya!?

 

[sam1832]

Thanks Sam.

Daft couple of questions as I've never changed the brake fluid before:
1) take it you have to bleed each caliper to get all of the old fluid out?
2) at what point do you know you've got all the old dot4 out if you're adding the new stuff in at the top to stop the reservoir running out?

You wouldn't believe I service the car, change water pumps (ford focus) and put a new airbox in a Sagaris (brothers) now would ya!?

Lol no daft questions

1, ) yes you need to do all four, so start at the furthest one away from the resivour ( rear passenger side) and work you way closer

Also dont forget the clutch uses the same fluid ... there is also a bleed nipple for this you need to lie under the car, about in line with the gear stick driverside of the gear box. You will need a torch

2.) Hopefully your new fluid will be a diffrent colour if you use a one man bleed kit or any clear tube on the nipple you will see the fluid in the tube and when the fluid starts to change colour you will know its all out of thay caliper/line. If you understand what I mean?

Got some pics here:

One mane bleeder

Bleed nipple at the black of the caliper

Its just half a turn with an 8mm spanner I belive to loosen it

Fit you one man bleeder

Remove resivour cao and fill to the top

Pump break a few times, check the caliper to nake sure fouid is in the tube, keep pumping till the new fluid is visable in the tube

Close the nipple move to the next caliper




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[Seal3.0]

Sam, You're a legend. That's awesome thanks!

 

[sam1832]

No problem

Glad to help

Good luck

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[Jembo]

Just to confirm I've been using DOT 5.1 for two years now, no issues. sam's spot on with his advice, change from furtherst rear caliper, all the best

 

[ga41]

ATE sell 2 brake fluids with the same specs but in different colours so you can use sequentially swap between them to know when you've bled it all. The amber one is called ATE Type 200 and the blue one is called Super Blue Racing, their specs are the same though. They're two of the cheaper good fluids available. I've also had a positive experience with Motul RBF660.

 

[Seal3.0]

Thanks lads for the confirmation.

The big day is Sunday so I'll let you know how I get on and I'll post some picks of the new bigger brakes once its finished.

Wish me luck!

 

[sam1832]

You will be fine, easy job

Good luck

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[Seal3.0]

Hi Chaps,

Just thought I'd say thanks! The job went well. Took a little longer than expected but all the new gear is on. Done c550 miles and all is good.

Thanks again!

 

[sam1832]

Hi Chaps,

Just thought I'd say thanks! The job went well. Took a little longer than expected but all the new gear is on. Done c550 miles and all is good.

Thanks again!

Glad it went ok :thumbsup

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