Brake Fluid!

[DucsLikeBread]

So on my 04 monster 620 the front reservoir it says use Dot 3 then it has a Division symbol 5, the reservoir in the back says use Dot 4. So can I use Dot 4 for all? Or do i need to buy a Dot 3 or 5? 

[ducpainter]

DOT 4 is fine.

Castrol makes a fluid that meets both DOT 3 and 4 specs and is very reasonably priced

[rgramjet]

Don't let it get on your gauges......

[live2ride]

do not use dot 5. 
use dot 3, dot 4, or dot 5.1. 
dot 3 is basically obsolete, and 5.1 is hard to find.  just use 4

[ducatiz]

compare brake fluids (4 and 5.1)

http://www.swedishbricks.net/700900FAQ/Brake%20Fluid%20Comparison.htm

Castrol LMA is good for most general street use, but keep in mind all brake fluid boiling point drops.

[mookieo2]

Motul rbf 600

[Curmudgeon]

Castrol LMA is good for most general street use, but keep in mind all brake fluid boiling point drops.

GT LMA works as advertised. (LMA = Low Moisture Absorption) Nothing else goes in my English and Italian toys, both 2 and 4-wheeled. The German stuff gets Ate Amber except for Benz which gets their proprietary clear long-life DOT 4.

For racing, both Brembo Sport EVO and Ate Super Blue Racing are available from Tire Rack amazingly! 

[Langanobob]

GT LMA works as advertised. (LMA = Low Moisture Absorption)...

Never knew or even thought about what LMA stood for, thanks.  I remember when it was required for British cars since as I recall they evidently had natural rubber brake parts that other brake fluids would attack.  We used to call it Castrol Lima, like Lima Peru.

Bob

[Curmudgeon]

Never knew or even thought about what LMA stood for, thanks.  I remember when it was required for British cars since as I recall they evidently had natural rubber brake parts that other brake fluids would attack.  We used to call it Castrol Lima, like Lima Peru.

Bob

Not sure these days about modern DOT 4+ eating seals, but I know the GT LMA lasts at least 2 years and as long as 5 years and gives a good color indication when it's time for a change. Definitely keeps seals from rotting in cars / bikes which get occasional use. My last life before retiring was 21 years in a 1.200 unit/annum Land Rover Centre and we used nothing else.

Oddly I tried to pick up a pint tonight to bleed the Defender as I had only 1 unopened bottle here and the usual suspects don't carry it. I could swear they did. Will have to check independent parts places or pick some up at the local dealer. Have to stop there anyway as I ordered a case of LR antifreeze for alloy engines in the old vehicles. $2 more than the cheap stuff and has the proper PH and buffers for the "Legacy Vehicles".

GT LMA is easy to find on-line of course.

Regards!

William

[ducatiz]

Not sure these days about modern DOT 4+ eating seals, but I know the GT LMA lasts at least 2 years and as long as 5 years and gives a good color indication when it's time for a change. Definitely keeps seals from rotting in cars / bikes which get occasional use. My last life before retiring was 21 years in a 1.200 unit/annum Land Rover Centre and we used nothing else.

Oddly I tried to pick up a pint tonight to bleed the Defender as I had only 1 unopened bottle here and the usual suspects don't carry it. I could swear they did. Will have to check independent parts places or pick some up at the local dealer. Have to stop there anyway as I ordered a case of LR antifreeze for alloy engines in the old vehicles. $2 more than the cheap stuff and has the proper PH and buffers for the "Legacy Vehicles".

GT LMA is easy to find on-line of course.

Regards!

William

NAPA carries it in their stores, along with Pentosin.  Advance doesn't and I don't think Auto Zoned does either.  I think Pep Boys has Castrol.

[Curmudgeon]

NAPA carries it in their stores, along with Pentosin.  Advance doesn't and I don't think Auto Zoned does either.  I think Pep Boys has Castrol.

Thanks! I looked at NAPA on-line tonight and it didn't show but I have a NAPA less than a mile from the house in this little town and rarely have they let me down so far. TDB.

[ducatiz]

Thanks! I looked at NAPA on-line tonight and it didn't show but I have a NAPA less than a mile from the house in this little town and rarely have they let me down so far. TDB.

The NAPA near me is a franchise store, so maybe they carry more than the regular NAPAs but they had it.

[ducpainter]

I get Castrol fluid at a Federated Auto Parts store

[ducatiz]

I have also used Valvoline SynPower DOT4, but I have heard it is discontinued. 

Dry BP was like 503 and wet BP around 350.

They have a "regular" DOT4 variety but it is crap compare to that.