Brake Fluid

[Sundowner]

I'm about to change the brake fluid in my Sprint.
The book says that as long as it meets or exceeds a certain rating then the fluid is OK to use.
Here, down-under, I cant find any reference to the books number as we use the Yankee DOT system. DOT3, DOT4 or DOT5 (5.1 or 5.2) which I believe is silicone based.
So what is factory correct (& what do you recommend) for the Sprint? DOT3 or DOT4?
Thanks & Cheers,
Rob

[gmsclassics]

Hi Rob
DOT 4 is the one to use. For a number of years I've used the generic one that Repco sell without issue in road cars. If you are going to do any competition, especially in summer then you could consider something with a higher boiling point such as Motul 600. It is still DOT 4.

Check all the hoses carefully while you are at it.

Geoff

[Sundowner]

Thanks Geoff.
Cheers,
Rob

[Carledo]

When the Sprint was new, DOT3 was all there was. DOT4 is now the current go-to spec for production cars. DOT5 is silicone which doesn't eat paint and is not hygroscopic, but in practical terms, needs all rubber parts changing and a thorough flush of the rest of the system to use. It also seems to perform rather indifferently when hot. I am using DOT5.1 which is a synthetic racing fluid in the Carledo and it seems to perform well - but it's a bit overkill for a street car!

Steve

[soe8m]

Only dot 5 is silicone based. 5.1 is synthetic but not silicone.

Jeroen

[Carledo]

Only dot 5 is silicone based. 5.1 is synthetic but not silicone.

Jeroen

That's what I said!

[soe8m]

Only dot 5 is silicone based. 5.1 is synthetic but not silicone.

Jeroen

That's what I said!

Well it's an hour later over here.

Jeroen

[Sundowner]

Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Would you agree then, that considering,
1) the car is largely stock standard and used mostly quietly on club runs, I should stick with the DOT3 that I think is in the car now.
2) But there are a couple of mountains nearby with winding roads, on which I enjoy driving a little spiritedly, I should consider changing to Super DOT4.
Cheers,
Rob

[geeksteve]

You can use DOT4 in place of DOT3 without flushing the system btw, they are compatible chemically. You can top 3 off with 4 etc.

[Carledo]

I'm actually surprised you can still buy DOT3, it hasn't been available over here for some years. I'd go for DOT4! As Steve says, it's perfectly compatible.

Steve

[Sundowner]

Thanks for the usual good advice Gents.

I'm installing new TRW pads and giving the whole system a good going over, but once again, the book(s) wont tell me how much of the stuff I'll need so.........How much of the DOT4 stuff will I need?

I'm not doing the job, just assisting (or getting in the way, if you like) but I'm buying in all the bits.......including a new Jag timing chain tensioner which will be installed at the same time.

Again Thanks.

Cheers,
Rob

[Carledo]

1 litre should be plenty to change the whole contents of the brake system.

Steve

[Sundowner]

Thanks Steve,
Rob

[geeksteve]

1 litre should be plenty to change the whole contents of the brake system.

Steve

Remember to get a bit extra to spill on your shoes, engine bay, overalls and floor.

Steve

[tony g]

lol