brake fluid-what and why?

[marko138]

Originally Posted by marko138

I generally use what's called for. I have a bottle of Bel-Ray Super DOT 5 I need to put in soon.

Check that...It's Super DOT 4 I have.

[ceo012384]

Motul RBF600 is the prime track shit... a little pricey though.

[was92v]

Dot 4 for me.

[tommymac]

been using DOT 4 even on the track bike and had no issues. its tough finding the DOT 4 in the auto stores and the dealers charge an arm and a leg for it so I usualy just order a bottle when purchasing other things.

tom

[Rsv1000R]

Dot 5.1 is sometimes compatable with Dot 4 systems. Dot 5 is not the same as 5.1 nor do they mix. My HD has Dot 5, and my Aprilia says Dot 5.0 (4.0 compatable) which I think is what they call 5.1 in Europe.

[tommymac]

Originally Posted by Rsv1000R

Dot 5.1 is sometimes compatable with Dot 4 systems. Dot 5 is not the same as 5.1 nor do they mix. My HD has Dot 5, and my Aprilia says Dot 5.0 (4.0 compatable) which I think is what they call 5.1 in Europe.

I will have to double check but am 99% sure the futura used dot 4 for the brakes and the clutch.

Tom

[NONE_too_SOFT]

Use whats called for w/ the specific brake system you have. if you've got aftermarket parts on your brakes i'd consult them, rather than what the OEM calls for.

I've heard that using High Temp DOT 5 will reduce Spongy feel during intense/frequent braking. have yet to test it, but i've got some in the mail.

[Rsv1000R]

Originally Posted by NONE_too_SOFT

Use whats called for w/ the specific brake system you have. if you've got aftermarket parts on your brakes i'd consult them, rather than what the OEM calls for.

I've heard that using High Temp DOT 5 will reduce Spongy feel during intense/frequent braking. have yet to test it, but i've got some in the mail.

If you're getting US Dot 5, be careful about mixing it with even a trace of Dot 4, as it turns to goop. There a whole procedure for switching it over you need to follow.

Dot 5 doesn't absorb moisture, which reduces the boiling point of Dot 4 brake fluids, But your brake system will still collect condensation, and then you get water settling to the lowest point it can get to, and if it gets into the calipers, you still boil it, and it corrodes everything it touches.

Apparently, there have been a lot of expensive cars that had dot 5 put in during restorations, and had the brake systems ruined from condensation.

[ZUKIMON]

I'm still unsure about my fluid. My 929 says DOT 4 on the caps, and I have a quart of DOT 4 Castrol Synthetic sitting here on my workbench at work. Is there a DOT 4 that's not synthetic? Will this be OK in my bike? I've never messed with anything other than DOT 3.

[racedoll]

I use whatever it says to use.