Brake fluid

[xscafe]

Having a hard timing finding this answer and I'm sure it's simple, but what fluid are you guys running? I got my bike with no fluid and the reservoir caps are faded so I have no idea if it's glycol or silicone fluid..

 

[Greasey Fingers]

the latest stuff dot 4 or 5 I think

 

[xscafe]

Dot 4 is glycol and dot 5 is silicon. Dot 5.1 is glycol. Is that what you mean?

 

[Greasey Fingers]

if its empty it probs dont matter as long as you dont mix them? But wait till someone who knows jumps in lol

 

[Wolfe_11B]

Just my opinion, but if you are completely dry (and I mean all of it out of the master, lines, and caliper), then use DOT 5. It will last longer and perform better in a wide temperature range.

Otherwise, stick with DOT3 or 4 (can use 5.1 as well). Most stuff you get at local autoparts places will just sell a generic bottle that says 'DOT 3/4 Compatible Fluid'

 

[xscafe]

Don't put dot 5 in a dot 3/4/5.1 system. It will swell everything rubber and lock up Pistons. Don't put dot 3/4/5.1 in a 5 system, it will eat the lines and seals and leak. It's not about mixing them. Although that is also bad.

 

[Wolfe_11B]

That's not true. At all.

Just saying.

You can't mix glycol with silicone. That's it.

 

[xscafe]

That is entirely true. Coming from someone who has seen it first hand multiple working a job that requires me to know it in order to keep a roof over my family's heads. I'm sure I could find that answer myself but I figured someone on here would know off the top of their head.

 

[16VGTIDave]

Personally, I wouldn't use DOT 5. Ever. It simply isn't a good brake fluid. It isn't even a good hydraulic fluid.

For our bikes, DOT 3 is more than adequate. Especially if it is changed on a regular basis. I flush mine every spring and it comes out as clean as when it went in.

 

[xscafe]

Dave, Thanks again. Lol.

 

[Greasey Fingers]

is dot 1 available? Maybe another option to consider Hang on nah thats when they were making it out of a chicken shit and urine mix....