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Brake fluid[ALL/1988] posted by Dave Keel on
Thursday, 22 January 1998, at 6:28 p.m.
I bought a 1980 244 GL and was wondering about DOT 3 & 4 brake fluid. Can you mix, what's the effect if it is mixed and how to tell if it has been mixed.
Dave Keel
Re: Brake fluid[ALL/1988] posted by John Martin on
Thursday, 22 January 1998, at 8:05 p.m.
Brake fluid is brake fluid.
John
Re: Brake fluid[ALL/1988] posted by Glenn Goodspeed on
Thursday, 22 January 1998, at 8:59 p.m.
Yes, you can mix DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid, as both are alcohol-based. Do not mix either with DOT 5, which is silicone-based.
I always use Castrol LMA (DOT 4), because I guess the higher DOT number is better. I don't use DOT 5 because I'm not sure there is any advantage, and it requires flushing the brake system before installing. -Glenn.
Goodspeed's Volvo 1800 Newsletter
Re: Brake fluid[ALL/1988] posted by Zachary Lozoff on
Friday, 23 January 1998, at 12:30 a.m.
You can mix DOT 3 with DOT 4, but I wouldn't recommend it. Use DOT 4,
as it has a higher boiling point than 3, but is still safe and relatively
easy to come by. You have to flush the system to use DOT 5, and it is much
more hydroscopic than either 3 or 4. This means that it is much more susceptable
to contamination by water, which causes the boiling point to lower, and thus fail.
The advantage is a higher boiling point, but any racer who uses DOT 5 will
tell you that it is necessary to flush the system and put in fresh fluid
after at least every other race. Use DOT 4, preferably Castrol LMA, and your
brakes will have a long and healthy life.
P.S.: Don't forget to change the fluid and flush the system every 12 months!
Cheers,
Zack :)
1984 245 GLTi "Erika"
1987 744 GLE "Inga"
Volvo recommends DOT 4 ONLY[ALL/1988] posted by Mr. Tool on
Friday, 23 January 1998, at 6:31 a.m.
Volvo recommends dot 4 only. it's about $5. a quart....... mr. tool ..