Dot 4 brake/clutch fluid brand

[tmarshall]

What brand Dot 4 fluid does anyone recommend for brake/clutch fluid change? Does it Matter? Is there a difference? Thom

[CycleRob]

The best deal I've found is this:



Less than $3 at Wal*Mart.

Copy-n-pasted from their many clicks to find product site:

"Prestone Synthetic Brake Fluid is designed to provide a high margin of boiling point protection. The proprietary mix of polyglycol ethers ensures hot brake system operation will not create dangerous liquid vapor. This delivers braking power when needed by avoiding a spongy pedal. The wet and dry boiling points exceed the minimum government standards. A comprehensive inhibitor package protects vital brake system metals."

--Minimum Dry Boiling Point 500F (260C).
--Minimum Wet Boiling Point 311F (155C).
--Meets or exceeds DOT 3 and DOT 4 specifications.
--Substantially reduces the possibility of fluid vaporization and eventual brake failure (as a result of vapor lock) by maintaining a high wet boiling point.
--Recommended for all ABS, disc and drum brake systems as well as hydraulic clutches requiring DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids.
--Compatible with all conventional brake fluids.
--Complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116, Meets SAE Spec, J1703.

-end of copy-n-paste-
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[jm1515]

Valvoline Synth found at AutoZone...~6bux /qt.

[Sunbeemer]

There are small differences among the wet/dry boiling points of various DOT 4 brake fluids, but they all must conform to the DOT 4 standard. There are also undoubtedly differences in their additive packages (anti-corrosion, seal compatibility). Since the BMW manual specifically states that Castrol fluids are compatible, this is what I use:
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectiong ... Id=7024043

Castrol's fluids have been used for all Euro + British vehicles for many years. In fact, using any other type of brake fluid in early British cars would dissolve their hydraulic seals since they were compatible only with Castrol Girling (non-alcoholic) fluid. Not that this is a problem anymore, but I'll stick with a known and proven fluid for use with my Euro-seals.

[tmarshall]

Thanks for the choices. I know BMW has DOT 4 but I'm sure It's 3 times the price. Thanks again!

[kantuckid]

Paul Glaves has a great article on this area in the most recent BMWMOA ON magazine. Always check the lid to make sure your ride uses something besides brake fluid-some are mineral oil.

[tmarshall]

I checked the lids: Dot-4 for brake and clutch. I did see however that KTM Bikes have that on there clutch resevoir.

[TicTac50]

MODERATORS.
Time to go to work!!!