Brake fluid

[drbill]

I noticed on the thread about the brake switch that Gene had mentioned not using DOT 5. I assume mine has DOT 5 because it is written on the caps for both the brake and clutch M/C. I'll double check by taking some and mixing with water, but if it is DOT 5, is it easy enough to just flush some DOT 4 through the system?? (Sorry if there was a previous thread about this!)

Thanks,
Bill

 

[0neoffive]

Mixologism

I noticed on the thread about the brake switch that Gene had mentioned not using DOT 5. I assume mine has DOT 5 because it is written on the caps for both the brake and clutch M/C. I'll double check by taking some and mixing with water, but if it is DOT 5, is it easy enough to just flush some DOT 4 through the system?? (Sorry if there was a previous thread about this!)

Thanks,
Bill

I've noted some chemistry mysteries corrupting seals from time-to-time. There are better schooled physicians who can explain this. BUT, DO NOT MIX FLUIDS. If you've got all DOT 5, stick with it. If you're going to flush the system and introduce DOT 4 LMA or equiv, flush it all with a vengence first. If the fluids are already blackened by seal break down, you'll be enjoying some replacement maintenance issues anyway. r

 

[drbill]

I've noted some chemistry mysteries corrupting seals from time-to-time. There are better schooled physicians who can explain this. BUT, DO NOT MIX FLUIDS. If you've got all DOT 5, stick with it. If you're going to flush the system and introduce DOT 4 LMA or equiv, flush it all with a vengence first. If the fluids are already blackened by seal break down, you'll be enjoying some replacement maintenance issues anyway. r

Thanks, Randy. Makes sense. The fluid in there looks pretty good, but I have a leaking brake line in the back, so after replacing, I'll be bleeding the brakes anyway. I'll confirm I have DOT 5, and add fluid accordingly.