DOT 3 fluid?

[tone_crafter]

Been trying to get some new DOT 3 brake fluid for my 1989 ZXR250a. Went to repco today and the guy there told me they don't make it anymore and to use DOT 4.

I was under the impression that DOT 3 and 4 fluids were a totally different compound. Can someone let me know what would be a good brake fluid to use in my bike and where to get it?

[BadCompany]

Red Baron, Mt Eden Motorcycles, Motorcycles and Power Sports. Heaps of bike shops around Auckland you could try. However I only know definately that Red Baron would sell such a thing.

[White trash]

Been trying to get some new DOT 3 brake fluid for my 1989 ZXR250a. Went to repco today and the guy there told me they don't make it anymore and to use DOT 4.

I was under the impression that DOT 3 and 4 fluids were a totally different compound. Can someone let me know what would be a good brake fluid to use in my bike and where to get it?

DOT 4 or DOT 4+ surpasses DOT 3 brake fluid in every aspect get it.

Do NOT be suckered into putting DOT 5 or 5.1 in your bike.

[Tony.OK]

Do NOT be suckered into putting DOT 5 or 5.1 in your bike.

I know DOT 5(synthetic) is not compatable with DOT 4,but whats wrong with DOT 5.1?It is compatable with DOT4 its just rated to a higher temp and is less hydroscopic.

[tone_crafter]

Any advice on a particualar good brand anyone?

[Henk]

DOT 5 is not compatible, not sure but I think you are right on the mineral synthetic thing, DOT 5.1 can be used, is higher temp rated and way more hygrscopic. Fine if you need the temp and are prepared to replace your fluid way more often than I can be bothered with. Just get some DOT4, the brands are pretty much all the same.

[imdying]

Been trying to get some new DOT 3 brake fluid for my 1989 ZXR250a. Went to repco today and the guy there told me they don't make it anymore and to use DOT 4.

Yes, DOT 3 and 4 (and 5.1) will mix fine. Generally can't buy 3 any more.

Red Baron, Mt Eden Motorcycles, Motorcycles and Power Sports. Heaps of bike shops around Auckland you could try. However I only know definately that Red Baron would sell such a thing.

Or Repco, or any service station or or or..

DOT 4 or DOT 4+ surpasses DOT 3 brake fluid in every aspect get it.

Do NOT be suckered into putting DOT 5 or 5.1 in your bike.

5 is bad (silicon based), 5.1 is fine.

I know DOT 5(synthetic) is not compatable with DOT 4,but whats wrong with DOT 5.1?It is compatable with DOT4 its just rated to a higher temp and is less hydroscopic.

5.1 is likely to me marginally more hygroscopic (not hydro), nothing that should concern you.

Any advice on a particualar good brand anyone?

Motul, Castrol, any of the big brands you recognise... not that it'll matter much.

[Tony.OK]

5.1 is likely to me marginally more hygroscopic (not hydro), nothing that should concern you.

Beg your pardon........never liked science
Maybe seen Grease to many times thinking of 'this car is hydrostatic'

[Max Preload]

I've found DOT 5.1 to have a little less lever feel so I use Super DOT4.

[skidMark]

Any advice on a particualar good brand anyone?

Anything does the job mate.

I onlyh ever put the best of anything on in or on my bike, especially for brakes and tyres. they are you life right there.

[Max Preload]

DOT 5 is not compatible, not sure but I think you are right on the mineral synthetic thing, DOT 5.1 can be used, is higher temp rated and way more hygroscopic.

It's not synthetic and mineral - the difference is silicone (DOT5) and glycol bases (the rest). DOT5 is not hygroscopic in the least and that is why it needs more frequent changes. Moisture collects in pools rather than becoming evenly distributed and corrodes the area in which it collects and under severe heat will flash off as steam when the hydraulic pressure is removed after braking (i.e. you release the lever). This will cause the brakes to drag, at the very least.

[imdying]

Ja, DOT 5 was developed for the US Army, and even they don't use it anymore which tells you something. It's shite, avoid. That is all.

[bert_is_evil]

Any advice on a particualar good brand anyone?

I like the Mobil one, it's blue

[tone_crafter]

Cool thanks for the help everyone. My brakes have degraded quite a bit since I got the bike a few months ago so I'm trying to sort them out. May need to change the pads too.

[imdying]

You should strip and clean the calipers.