What Brake Fluid Are You Using?

[ryonker]

I am replacing my brake lines this week with stainless lines.

I am pretty sure the bikes original used either Dot 3 or Dot 4.

Are some of you using Dot 5? What are the pros and cons?

Thanks!!!!!

[Nessism]

DOT 4 is the stuff. It has a higher boiling temp than DOT 3 and only slighly more expensive. Chemistery is similar between the two. DOT 5 is completely different formulation and is not in wide spread use. It creates a spongy brake lever feel for one thing, and is not compatable with the 3/4 chemistry so your system needs to be 100% cleaned out before making the switch.

[ryonker]

Thank you!

[Killer2600]

Like Nessism stated DOT 5 isn't compatible with the others as it's silicone based while the others are glycol based. If you really want better than DOT 4 you can go with DOT 5.1 which isn't silicone based so it's compatible with DOT 3 and 4. DOT 5 and 5.1 aren't compatible with each other so don't mix them.

Contrary to nessism's wisdom DOT 5 isn't spongy in a system made for it. Put in a system made for DOT without the proper conversion the silicone will swell the seals and leave for a spongy feel.

For most DOT 4 is good enough though.