DOT 3 or 4

[overpl]

Hi,
I've replacement of break hose -stainless (steel?) hose and changed the brake fluid. It may have sth in common with my bad breaks problem but I don't think so, nevertheless I've decide to start new thread about using different DOT than this on master cylinder.
I have XS 400 DOHC y.1984 - and after installing new steel hose I've changed the brake fluid (first since I bought the bike) to DOT 4. On the master cylinder cap it is written use only DOT 3 - but I believe that DOT 4 could be unknown when they designed my bike? - I've read that you can easily put DOT 4 instead of DOT 3 - just not DOT 3 instead of DOT 4. What do you recommend?

 

[16VGTIDave]

DOT 4 is just higher specification DOT 3. You can use either on your bike. DOT 4 is able to absorb more moisture before the boiling point is drastically reduced. Not an issue if you bleed the brake every year in the fall before storing the bike for the winter.

 

[MechNewb]

Just make sure you dont use DOT5. DOT 3 or 4 is fine though.

 

[overpl]

that is all I needed to hear thank you guys

 

[xschris]

Also done mix dot3 with dot4. Use one or the other and flush the system out before you fill it.