Hate to ask, but what brake fluid to use?

[NoDestiny]

I noticed my brakes were... nearly non existent tonight in the mini. Checked fluid levels... VERY low. Ill worry about where a leak might be later... but the thing is, I have NEVER touched braking systems on a car! Always kinda scared me (well... fluid wise. Done pads and rotors no prob).

What brake fluid should I get exactly? Also, if I get something other than what might already be in there, should I change it out completely or just add in and let mix?

Sorry for the newbish Q!

[135SoHc]

DOT 3 brake fluid

but if the fluid level got low enough in the reservior than theres a good chance that air got into the system, thats very bad and you will have to bleed the system to get the air bubbles out. topping it off wont do much to solve the no braking issue

[NoDestiny]

Yeah, I figured that. Will probably get a manual pump for it and figure it out. Brakes have always scared me a bit because its one thing to make your vehicle faster, but when you need to stop... But I guess every bird has to fly out the nest eventually.

THANX!

[capev86]

dot 3 and 4 are compatable. they make synthetic dot4 now. dot 5 is silicone based instead of glycol based and not only is it not compatable, it doesn't have the consistency of performance either...not a good idea in anything newer than a Model T in my opinion!

[92lebaronGTC]

Get the Dot 3 fluid with the highest temperature rating you can find. Bleed the system out entirely, spend the extra $1.50 for the big bottle of brake fluid.

[DUGZSHELBY]

Valvoline makes a high temp DOT 3 fluid. You can get it at "Chinazone - Autozone"...

[ShelbyMopar89]

Unless your system is leaking you should never have to add fluid to your resivor. The resivor level goes down as it fills up the caliper cylinder as the pads/shoes wear down. When you use the C clamp and press the pistons back into the cylinder is will push the fluid back up into the resivor. If you top it off the put on new pads you will have fluid everywhere. Paint does not like brake fluid much at all. All this stands to reason as long as the system is not leaking anywhere. I use the fluid level as a quick look to see how much my pads are worn.

[crazymadbastard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShelbyMopar89 Unless your system is leaking you should never have to add fluid to your resivor. The resivor level goes down as it fills up the caliper cylinder as the pads/shoes wear down. When you use the C clap and press the pistons back into the cylinder is will push the fluid back up into the resivor. If you top it off the put on new pads you will have fluid everywhere. Paint does not like brake fluid much at all. All this stands to reason as long as the system is not leaking anywhere. I use the fluid level as a quick look to see how much my pads are worn.

NO!

I would never push old fluid back through the system, now that I know better.


Here is what I do:

get a turkey baster and remove as much old fluid as possible, put some fresh fluid in and suck it out again and refill.

Before pushing the caliper in, I put an old slit hose over the rubber brake line and crimp it with a vise grip to keep the old fluid from pumping back into the abs pump etc. Crack the bleeder and then push the piston back in ejecting the rust, crud and moisture. Then bleed till the fluid comes out new.

I have heard good things about ford dot 3 too.

[NoDestiny]

OK I drained all the fluid and replaced the lines at the front wheels... both were cracked! Bled it out A LOT (made sure to say goodbye to the old fluid, used Synth this time around) Got it all in and going GREAT! Thanx for the help guys!

[crazymadbastard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoDestiny OK I drained all the fluid and replaced the lines at the front wheels... both were cracked! Bled it out A LOT (made sure to say goodbye to the old fluid, used Synth this time around) Got it all in and going GREAT! Thanx for the help guys!

Good move on getting them lines replaced, I had mine blow out once. Somehow I made it home.