Brake fluid 5.1 worth it?

[Clarky]

Hi all,

Changing brake fluid tomorrow, I've read a few threads about using 5.1 brake fluid.

The resevoir cap says use dot 3.

Is it safe to use 5.1 so on a standard system regarding seals etc.

Should / will I notice any difference

Cheers

[Richie86]

i personally wouldn't

Dot 3-4 are pretty much compatable with each other, DOT 5 can pottentially cause problems on older brake systems as it's petrolium based i believe.

Cheers,

[MarkR32]

Edited wrong link

Try this one .. second Paragragh down

http://www.afcoracing.com/tech_pages/fluid.shtml

[Clarky]

Thanks for that link

Yeah Dot 5 is a definate no no because it is silicone based.

Dot 5.1 looks like it is a improved version of dot 4.

Any users out there?

[MarkR32]

Dot 5 is a no-no as its silicone based and wont 'remove' water from the system however Dot 5.1 will

I will be using 5.1 from when i do my brake change

[Clarky]

Cheers MarkR32

Thats +1

[tarmac terrorist]

dot 5.1 is the only fluid we use at work (toyota) works fine in mine (toyota dont do any other anymore if my memory is correct)

[John145]

I've got 5.1, done 5 laps of the nurburgring without any fade. Can't say more than that!

[Clarky]

dot 5.1 is the only fluid we use at work (toyota) works fine in mine

Just what I needed to hear.

I've got 5.1, done 5 laps of the nurburgring without any fade.

Even better news, btw what pads did you use and did they survive?

5.1 it is then.

Cheers lads

[John145]

TBH not sure on the pads, i've just replaced them but the front ones were down to the metal almost, maybe 1mm left.

[jem]

I've been running DOT5.1 for over a year and it's brilliant. Never had even the slightest hint of fade. I'm running EBC Yellow Stuff all round and Goodridge steel braided brake lines. With decent tyres and coilovers, the stopping power is painful