Which brake fluid?

[Monkey]

I'll be putting 308mm brakes on my 8v soon with braided hoses so that I can actually get some braking power on my Calibra. Whilst I'm doing this I have been told that it's a good idea to renew the brake fluid every 2-3 years as it starts to absorb air and makes the brakes feel spongier (they are typically crap brakes!) and I'm not sure which to get as there are different grades to get 4.0, 5.0, 5.1 etc. Anyone got any knowledge on this?

Cheers

Lee

[Dan Willis]

Just the usual stuff will do.. think that's 5.1.

[Naz]

Usual stuff is a dot4. You can put them in, or you can go for the silicone type 5.1 fluid. A bit more expensive i think.

[dj_smurph]

dot 5.1 has the highest temp rating gives less fade and about 50% more expensive

[Monkey]

Thanks guys, was a bit unsure so I'll have a look for some soon.

[Toddy]

5.1 it's not that expensive;)

[dj_smurph]

it is if your using ap racing

[Monkey]

Just one more Q, how much will I need? It tends to come in a 250ml or 500ml bottle.

[Naz]

Depends.

If you renewing the whole system you will need about 500ml of it.

BUt if you only topping up, then you need less.

Becarefull though: If you changing from dot4 to dot5.1 or anything else, you have to completely drain the brake system and refill, otherwise dot5.1 which is silicone based will turn into gunky stuff and f**k the system up.

Cheers

[MickM]

5.1 is more expensive and unnecessary really. In addition I'm sure I read that it doesn't last as long as it absorbs air and moisture more readily than standard stuff...?

[j4mes]

it does need changing every year if you use 5.1, but it is much better if you suffer brake fade