Brakes Brake Fluid Question

[Bob Hughes]

I'm going to be installing an SLP line lock tonight, and while I'm at it going to have the change out a majority of the fluid in the brake system. Should I upgrade from dot3 to 4 or 5...are there any benefits to it? Have to pick up fluid this afternoon just curious what others have done.

 

[bdcardinal]

Do not use DOT 5, it is silicone based and does not play well with DOT 3, 4v or 5.1. Dot 4 and 5.1 will mix with DOT 3, but generally is thicker. You can pick up DOT 4LV from a Mercedes dealer that will have the higher boiling point characteristics of a DOT 4, but with the lower viscosity of a DOT 3 which plays better with ABS systems. That being said the Motorcraft DOT 3, p/n PM1C has a dry boiling point of 500F, and is very reasonably priced. I sell a bunch to road racers.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Two bottles of motorcraft dot 3.

 

[flstang65]

I have that kit (you will love it) and I used what ever the recommended fluid is. Don't forget to bleed that master cyl.

 

[Bob Hughes]

Thanks guys for the input. I'll pick up the ford dot 3 tomorrow

 

[flstang65]

Get a new shifter knob with the button on the side for the line loc. Makes things soooo much easier.

 

[Bob Hughes]

That's on my list. I am planning on putting an "arming" switch somewhere out of the way to power switch on knob....that way it doesn't "accidentally" get used on the street.