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  •  » Brake fluid choice

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    9/29/2024 11:14 AM  #1

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,626

    Brake fluid choice

    Since everything is new on my braking system is there a preferred goto brake fluid?

     

    9/29/2024 11:32 AM  #2

    Rufus68
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    From: Knoxville, TN
    Registered: 4/26/2017
    Posts: 868

    Re: Brake fluid choice

    For a street car, if I were filling an all new Mustang brake system I'd choose DOT 4.  It is compatible with DOT 3 and DOT 5.1 so there is that.  And it has a higher boiling point than DOT 3 while being just as available as DOT 3.  I would only change this choice if I had a specific reason for a specific car.

    1968 T-code Coupe with a 302.  Nice car, no show stopper for sure, but I like it.
     

    9/29/2024 5:47 PM  #3

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Brake fluid choice

    After I completely redid my engine bay I put all new SS lines, front and rear calipers, disks, master  cylinder and line lock .
    I’m using DOT 5 all synthetic to prevent the regular brake fluid rot.
    Ten years or more on, with one purge and refill I can report no issues.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    9/30/2024 12:01 AM  #4

    rpm
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    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
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    Re: Brake fluid choice

    After doing a bit of research I decided to go with LiquiMoli 5.1 fluid based on the boiling points and price.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    9/30/2024 6:38 AM  #5

    John Ha
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    From: Mitchell, SD
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 902

    Re: Brake fluid choice

    Just for information - there's a Dot 4 Plus fluid on the market (AKA "Heavy Duty Brake Fluid").  It has a higher boiling point (180°C versus 165°C) and lower viscosity than the Dot 4 fluid, and some say that it's supposed to be better at lasting if not flushed every 2 years.  Mercedes (and, I think, some other manufacturers) recommends it in their vehicles.

    Founding Member of the Perpetually Bewildered Society
     

    9/30/2024 6:50 AM  #6

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
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    Re: Brake fluid choice

    I was hoping for a clear cut go with this fluid.  Like everything there is always more than one option.  Lol

       •Thread Starter
     

    9/30/2024 8:16 AM  #7

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
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    Re: Brake fluid choice

    rpm wrote:

    After doing a bit of research I decided to go with LiquiMoli 5.1 fluid based on the boiling points and price.

     
    Local Autozone has the synthetic DOT4 in stock in that brand.  They also stock 5.1.

    Last edited by RTM (9/30/2024 8:28 AM)

       •Thread Starter
     

    9/30/2024 9:12 AM  #8

    KeithP
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    From: Scottsdale, AZ
    Registered: 6/10/2013
    Posts: 374

    Re: Brake fluid choice

    Rudi wrote:

    After I completely redid my engine bay I put all new SS lines, front and rear calipers, disks, master cylinder and line lock .
    I’m using DOT 5 all synthetic to prevent the regular brake fluid rot.
    Ten years or more on, with one purge and refill I can report no issues.

    I am using DOT 5 too. Don't have a lot of time on my braking system yet, but so far so good. Brake pedal is firm and don't feel any difference so far from regular brake fluid. I used my pressurized master cylinder brake bleeding system to bleed the brakes by myself and check for leaks, no brake pedal pumping necessary.
     

    1966, vert, 347 stroker, T5z, 4 wheel disc, pb, 3.70 LS 9", EPAS
     

    9/30/2024 9:23 AM  #9

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
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    Re: Brake fluid choice

    KeithP wrote:

    Rudi wrote:

    After I completely redid my engine bay I put all new SS lines, front and rear calipers, disks, master cylinder and line lock .
    I’m using DOT 5 all synthetic to prevent the regular brake fluid rot.
    Ten years or more on, with one purge and refill I can report no issues.

    I am using DOT 5 too. Don't have a lot of time on my braking system yet, but so far so good. Brake pedal is firm and don't feel any difference so far from regular brake fluid. I used my pressurized master cylinder brake bleeding system to bleed the brakes by myself and check for leaks, no brake pedal pumping necessary.
     

     
    I may look into a power bleeder.  Not sure my wife will want to pump the brake pedal with no seat in the mustang.  Lol

       •Thread Starter
     

    9/30/2024 9:30 AM  #10

    KeithP
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    From: Scottsdale, AZ
    Registered: 6/10/2013
    Posts: 374

    Re: Brake fluid choice

    RTM wrote:

    KeithP wrote:

    Rudi wrote:

    After I completely redid my engine bay I put all new SS lines, front and rear calipers, disks, master cylinder and line lock .
    I’m using DOT 5 all synthetic to prevent the regular brake fluid rot.
    Ten years or more on, with one purge and refill I can report no issues.

    I am using DOT 5 too. Don't have a lot of time on my braking system yet, but so far so good. Brake pedal is firm and don't feel any difference so far from regular brake fluid. I used my pressurized master cylinder brake bleeding system to bleed the brakes by myself and check for leaks, no brake pedal pumping necessary.
     

     
    I may look into a power bleeder. Not sure my wife will want to pump the brake pedal with no seat in the mustang. Lol

    When I remade all my brake lines and connections I was able to keep the system pressurized for long periods of time to check for leaks. I had some stubborn leaks, so it helped me out a lot.
     

    1966, vert, 347 stroker, T5z, 4 wheel disc, pb, 3.70 LS 9", EPAS
     

    9/30/2024 1:25 PM  #11

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
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    Re: Brake fluid choice

    Never thought of keeping the system pressurized to check for leaks.   That’s a great idea!!!

       •Thread Starter
     

    9/30/2024 3:04 PM  #12

    rpm
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    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,598

    Re: Brake fluid choice

    I have and love the Motive Products bleeder.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    9/30/2024 3:24 PM  #13

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 3,943

    Re: Brake fluid choice

    I can’t recall how many cars I’ve bled brakes on with a small hand vacuum pump.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    9/30/2024 5:45 PM  #14

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
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    Re: Brake fluid choice

    I don’t have a power bleeder yet but it has brake fluid.

       •Thread Starter
     

    9/30/2024 6:26 PM  #15

    6sally6
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    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,763

    Re: Brake fluid choice

    I've always been sorta disappointed with all they new fangled doo-dad bleeders ! 
    Invariably...I end up bleeding them with a human helper pumpin & holding the pedal.
    Thankful brakes...for the most part...stay fixed once bled properly.
    Type of fluid ?...Whatever's on sale ! (butt then...I've always lived on flat ground too ! )
    6sally6

    Last edited by 6sally6 (9/30/2024 6:28 PM)

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    10/01/2024 5:31 AM  #16

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,626

    Re: Brake fluid choice

    I had the front left brake hose leak this morning.   I didn’t tighten it enough, I actually forgot to check it.   Lol

       •Thread Starter
     

     

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