Brake Fluid DOT 5

Hi all,
I have done a search and can't seem to find the thread. Who is it that carries the DOT 5 brake fluid that comes in 2 different colors? Time to flush the fluid and I want to get it all done before cold weather sets in.
Thanks
Greg

[ October 20, 2002, 06:42: Message edited by: LanduytG ]

Be very.. very.. careful about those DOT numbers.

DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 are compatable glycol based brake fluids. DOT 5.1 is a synthetic glycol based racing brake fluid.

DOT 5 is a silicon based brake fluid that should never be mixed with any glycol based brake fluid.

I have NO idea why the DOT numbers are screwed up like this.

ATE makes some different types of brake fluids that are different colors.

http://www.alfredteves.com/english/indexmit.htm?produkte/fluid.htm

http://www.germanautoparts.com/

http://www.motul1.com/dot51.html

http://www.autotech.com/brake2.htm

Here are some articles about the non-compatablility of DOT 5 & DOT 5.1.

http://www.bel-ray.com/consumer/Q&A%20pages/q&abf.html

http://www.fizzindi.demon.co.uk/brakefluid.htm

http://www.lockhartphillips.com/ferodo.html

And because I'm cheap, I use this stuff with very good results. Available at any Autozone, etc.

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?Product=51

Brian, 97 Passat TDI

[ October 20, 2002, 08:41: Message edited by: BKmetz ]

I use Valvoline SynPower DOT 3&4 brake fluid in all my vehicles... (purchased @ Auto Zone)

Minimum Boiling Point:
--Valvoline Synpower: (dry)502°F (wet)343°F
------DOT 3-- specs: (dry)401°F (wet)284°F
------DOT 4-- specs: (dry)446°F (wet)311°F
------DOT 5-- specs: (dry)500°F (wet)356°F
------DOT 5.1 specs: (dry)518°F (wet)375°F
Wet boiling point = 3% water by volume in system

Phil
Live Oak, FL

Unless a particular vehicle calls for using Dot 5 (and no VW does, afaik), I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole. It's ludicrous that 5 and 5.1 exist, which are totally different, just augmenting the confusion.

Stick religiously to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. DOT 4 can always be used where DOT 3 is specified. I've noticed, however, that the quoted boiling points of some DOT 3 fluids are higher than some of those for DOT 4, just to cause further confusion.

- Richard

I just got the book out and read it again. I am not sure way where I go the idea that the NB took DOT 5. Any way thanks for the help guys. Has anyone ever used the pressure bleeder that german auto parts has? I am always by my self and it looks like this would be a great tool to have.
Greg

I have that bleeder and it works wonderfully. I was able to change the fluid
and bleed the clutch cylinder in about an hour. I also recommend getting the
ATE super blue fluid. I used and old coffee can as a catch can. When the
color changes you're done.