Has anyone attempted to replace the DOT 3 based brake fluid with DOT 5?
I can see the benefits higher boiling points; but, what would be the downsides?
Ive included the minimum boiling points of common brake fluids.

Dry Boiling Point Wet Boiling Point
DOT 3 205°C (401°F) 140°C (284°F)
DOT 4 230°C (446°F) 155°C (311°F)
DOT 5 260°C (500°F) 180°C (356°F)
DOT 5.1 270°C (518°F) 191°C (375°F)

 

all sorts of good **** here:
http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/te...e_papers.shtml

 

you do realize DOT 5 is strictly for racing purposes? yes it may be superior but it attracts moisture so it needs to be flushed regularly. there is a reason you won't find it on your shelf at the local auto parts store or even more performance auto parts stores for that matter. just stick with DOT4, have you noticed brake fade at all even? why the sudden feel to need to upgrade anyways?

 

For the price and temp range ---> my choice ATE Blue / Typ 200


$9.75 at link below.

http://www.raceshopper.com/ate_brake_fluid.shtml

 

nice!
too bad i just paid $15 for my bottle of super blue

 

IIRC DOT 5 is silicone based and as such CANNOT be used in a system for DOT 3 or 4.

You can use DOT 5.1, since it's based on a traditional formulation, but I don't see the big deal since the premium DOT4s are outstanding (ATE for example)

Dave

 

I have to agree that anything over DOT 4 is just not worth it. I seriously doubt that anyone can really reap the benefits of the DOT 5 and 5.1 fluids....you simply don't stess the brakes to the point where boiling becomes an issue unless you are racing hard.
Sadly, this whole brake fluid deal is ricer based....all these punk kids in their Hondas with the stickers proclaiming their use of "racing" brake fluids.....lol, give me a break!
DOT 3 is good enough for 90% of the cars out there, DOT 4 is better than what the other 10% need. And seriously, you can do more damage with some of those moisture-absorbing synthetics than you think possible.

 

Agreed, DOT 5 is a silicone base and will destroy any rubber seals in your braking system. DOT 5.1, the only one is Castrol, is still a glycole base just has a higher boiling point. If you want to go real extreme just get super blue racing fluid. It is glycole based and far superior.
-Austin

 

i've also read around for brake fluids, and ATE seems to be the fluid of choice for the street, esp since it is blue/gold so you can tell when all of your old fluid has been flushed out

 

Hmmn now to hunt off some DOT5.1

 

In reply do "bajaman"'s comments I fully agree with you.
I have experienced brake fade a few times and its never fun. I was simply trying to get a topic going and people sharing their vast knowledge of seemingly everything.
In my hunt for this castrol 5.1 it seems that the local jobbers dont carry anything like it so I will probably just buy some DOT4 and see if it makes a difference.

Cheers

 

While DOT 5 isn't compatible with DOT3/4, I believe it is compatible with the systems.

Generally, silicone doesn't degrade rubber products.


I'm not a brake fluid expert, but there shouldn't be any problems going with a DOT 5 fluid as long as:
-You get ALL the glycol based fluid out
-You maintain it properly; bleed on a short interval basis. Probably not smart for a street car.

Anyone more knowledgeble than me, please chime in.