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Changing to DOT 5

Suspension; Gearbox, Clutch and Driveshafts; Brakes; Steering; Throttle and clutch cable issues
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AndyJ
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Location: Gunnislake, Cornwall

Changing to DOT 5

Post by AndyJ »

Any good reasons for swapping over to DOT 5 brake fluid? Any good reasons for not swapping over to DOT 5?

I'm hoping that my new job will enable me to take the old girl off the road for a rebuild as the current job with its 150 mile a day commute has effectively killed her. Anyway, one of the things that I was looking at was a new braking system with DOT 5 fluid or at the very least use DOT 5 with the current system (heard that this could be fraught with problems...).

Any thoughts on this?
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Nate
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Re: Changing to DOT 5

Post by Nate »

dot5 is silicone based, and not compatible with dot3 or dot4, and also probably not compatible with the rubber seals in a system designed for dot3 or dot4.

you could upgrade to dot 5.1 which would be compatible, but unless you're boiling the brake fluid on a regular basis (unlikely with road driving) then it's just spending money for the sake of it
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AndyJ
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Apr 03, 2009 3:46 pm
fill in the right answer: 10
Location: Gunnislake, Cornwall

Re: Changing to DOT 5

Post by AndyJ »

Nate wrote:dot5 is silicone based, and not compatible with dot3 or dot4, and also probably not compatible with the rubber seals in a system designed for dot3 or dot4.

you could upgrade to dot 5.1 which would be compatible, but unless you're boiling the brake fluid on a regular basis (unlikely with road driving) then it's just spending money for the sake of it
Cheers Nate, that was the niggle at the back of my mind, a lot of faff and expense for not much improvement. Best to improve the mechanical parts of the brakes and stick to the DOT 4 then.
'92 Tornado Red Scala i
'04 blue Mondeo TDCi

http://www.worldgothday.com/
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Mr Funk
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Re: Changing to DOT 5

Post by Mr Funk »

AndyJ wrote:
I'm hoping that my new job will enable me to take the old girl off the road for a rebuild
This is good.
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