Rehashing an old topic on brake fluid

[71Laverda750SF]

Went back and read some of the threads (2010) that discussed which brake fluid was best for the brembo's and clutch's. My plan is to stick with the DOT3 unless something has changed in last few years that would suggest otherwise. In little airplanes we use 5606 hydraulic fluid, and the bigger ones (jets) use 5606 or the one I hate the most, Skydrol (nasty corrosive shit) so the choices are pretty straight forward since the type is called out in the maintenance manual. Not so on cars and bikes as most people have personal preferences and the internet.

So, stick with 3, move up to 4, or something better is available that replaces these??????

Clay

PS: I find it totally amusing that the cost of brake fluid is a real point of topic. With machines (even old and tired ones) costing so much these days why would the price of safety or performance even be considered, especially since it is so cheap to begin with.

 

[blab]

I always use Dot 4 in my old Brembos,keeps my paintwork trembling everytime.

 

[Gerald]

Clay,

DOT3 works just fine, have used it for years in the Brembo P8 caliper and Nissin 5/8" master setup.

Regards,
Gerald

 

[tyelav13]

Always used dot4 - no probs.

 

[Simonr501]

DOT 4 / 5.1 offer a higher boiling point than DOT 3.
The essential ingredients being Glycol Ether for DOT3 and Glycol Ether/Borate Ester for DOT 4 and 5.1.

Brembo seals don't seem to mind either of these, but do NOT put DOT 5 in there (Silicone fluid).
The seals swell!!!!!!Been there, done that and got the 't' shirt.

 

[wdietz186]

The best fluid is clean fresh fluid, DOT 3 or 4. Unless you are racing it and cooking the pads with regularity most any commonly available brand will be more than good enough. I change mine yearly and haven't ever had any problems.

 

[Dellortoman]

If you're only talking about the clutch, you don't necessarily need to use brake fluid because it doesn't have to tolerate the heat of braking systems. Any low viscosity oil like paraffin, diesel fuel or kerosene will do. You could probably use a high viscosity oil like 20/50, but it might make the clutch action sluggish and would be difficult to bleed the bubbles out. The advantage of using oil rather than brake fluid is that it's a better lubricant for the sliding pistons and it's not hygroscopic. So it won't absorb water and end up corroding things. It's probably the moisture in brake fluid that corrodes things like bleed nipples in their threads.

 

[71Laverda750SF]

If you're only talking about the clutch, you don't necessarily need to use brake fluid because it doesn't have to tolerate the heat of braking systems. Any low viscosity oil like paraffin, diesel fuel or kerosene will do. You could probably use a high viscosity oil like 20/50, but it might make the clutch action sluggish and would be difficult to bleed the bubbles out. The advantage of using oil rather than brake fluid is that it's a better lubricant for the sliding pistons and it's not hygroscopic. So it won't absorb water and end up corroding things. It's probably the moisture in brake fluid that corrodes things like bleed nipples in their threads.

I was thinking about using 5606 for the clutch and brakes, mineral based and is not too bad with paint, but if something happens on the road DOT3 and DOT4 are readily available where the 5606 I'll need to be at an airport.

Has anyone ever tried 5606 in their systems?

Clay

 

[drikko]

Depends what fork oil and chain lube you are using.

 

[stevepm2011]

I use 5606 in the PA28.
Seems quite a bit more viscous than dot 4. as far as I am aware, it isn't hygroscopic.
Never considered using it in any of the Laverdas.
Spills get very sticky, not easy to remove.

Rgds,
Steve

 

[AndyW]

Out on the Tanami lately I topped up my Tenere's brake reservoir with olive oil as it was all that was available in Youendemu: alas, not an extra virgin in sight.... :-X

 

[Terry Dymond]

Just as well Popeye wasn't around. Dot 4 all round for me, at least once a year or whenever I think about it.

 

[Stretch]

Dot 4 is so cheap that anyone can afford to change clutch and brake fluid every service. A little 200ml bottle is enough for the job. As to heat dont forget that the clutch slave cylinder receives heat all the time the engine is running, not like brakes which only get hot when they are used.