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[Closed] Are all DOT 4 brake fluids created equal?

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[#820176]

Need to bleed my brakes, so I need to buy some brake fluid... looking on CRC they have a bunch of different brands (obviously), but is there any advantage to one over the other?

For instance, would [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17666 ]Finish Line Brake Fluid[/url] be any better than [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=39659 ]Pace Fluid Worx[/url]?

Cheers for your thoughts and advice as always 8)


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 5:14 pm
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pretty much all the same - don't buy cycle branded ones - helfrauds will be just as good at 1/10th the price


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 5:19 pm
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60p?


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 5:21 pm
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IIRC and I can't be bothered to check it £2.99 for 500ml halfords own dot 4.

could be wrong tho but anything with a high end cycle company label on it tends to be very overpriced compared to the same product from halfords for a car. Check LMH if you want a real laugh - compare shimano lmh with halfords


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 5:24 pm
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Just checked on Halfords, £3.49 for 250ml, £5.49 for 500ml... so definitely cheaper (though not 1/10th 😉 )

So there's no difference between the 'no compromise, leading edge chemistry' of the Finish Line and the cheaper Halfords stuff?


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 5:29 pm
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Can I use DOT 5.1 in a DOT 4 system? 500ml of [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=8400 ]Rock Oil DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid[/url] for £7.99 seems good value (though doesn't brake fluid go off over time? And how much do you need per brake?)


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 5:52 pm
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if you want 'high end performance' use dot5.1 5.1 is total mixable with dot 4 and is higher performing. Slightly higher initial/fresh boiling point and the bp doesn't drop so far as it absorbs moisture. It doesn't cost much more either.


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 5:54 pm
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You only need a few ml per brake 30?

It can if left in an open container absorb water but I doubt you'll notice it on a bike
I've got a big bottle of Mercedes branded stuff I've had for a few years & it still works OK


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 5:55 pm
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sorted then... I'll get the Rock Oil stuff; £7.99 for 500ml seems fair, as long as it works in my Formula brakes 🙂


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 5:56 pm
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it absorbs moisture over time and the bp drops so yes it goes off, but not if the lid is on the bottle firmly keeping the moist air out. You'll not use more than a few tens of ml (if that) to completely change the fluid.


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 5:57 pm
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There are 3 types of brake fluid.

glycol-ether (DOT 3, 4 & 5.1) - Avid

mineral oil (Citroën liquide hydraulique minéral LHM) - Shimano, Magura

silicone (DOT 5)

You should not mix the 3 types or use the wrong type in your brakes as it may cause the seals to swell.

Fluid should be changed every couple of years to prevent corrosion so I would think it's better to flush out the old stuff rather than mixing it with the new. This may require more than 30 ml of new fluid.

[url= http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_brakefluid_1a.shtml ]Linky[/url]


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 7:26 pm
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cheers for the link abductee 🙂 so sounds like I made the right choice with the DOT 5.1 stuff @ £7.99 for 500ml 8)


 
Posted : 27/08/2009 7:47 pm