Brake fluids .... More useless information

I would say yes, not normally a problem - but ( there's always a but ) using a DOT 4 fluid may mean that you need to change the fluid more often as DOT 4 fluids are effected more by water, and as such, when it starts to absorb water ( and it will ) during it's service life, the boiling point drops off quicker than a DOT 3.

Also - bear in mind that in very old systems, the seals will have been designed to work with the formulation and viscosity of the specified fluid ( ie. DOT 3 ) - DOT 4 fluids contain Borate esters not normally found in DOT 3 fluids, and these could have unwanted effects on the seals if they are not designed to work with the borate esters, and the fluids being different viscosities could also be an issue that could cause seal wear.

Nana

[yorkie_chris]

It's an old RD ... it'll probably have siezed up before that becomes a problem anyway

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

it's an old rd ... It'll probably have siezed up before that becomes a problem anyway :-p

pmsl!

What about coloured brake fluid do you know if you can buy it anywhere

[yorkie_chris]

Tart!

Mine goes red after a rebuild due to using rubber grease, no idea if it does any harm. Any idea mr nanners? I flush the greasy fluid out with fresh a few days later just to be sure, is there any point?

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Tart!

Mine goes red after a rebuild due to using rubber grease, no idea if it does any harm. Any idea mr nanners? I flush the greasy fluid out with fresh a few days later just to be sure, is there any point?

Red rubber grease ... based on vegetable oil ... designed for use on brake systems for rubbers, seals etc ... No problem

Wish I'd chosen a different user name now

[yorkie_chris]

Was alright for a fair while anyway, one thing I did notice was the lever was marginally firmer with clean fluid in. perhaps the grease is marginally more compressible? Or maybe replacing the fluid got some tiny amount of air out.

p.s mods can change your username

I'd say either air, or if the fluid has been in a while, moisture in the fluid - both would give a spongy feel compared to new fluid -

Grease is bagged up ( F***ing nightmare that was ! ) so I'll post it up tomorrow - let me know what you think

Nana

[yorkie_chris]

Next couple of weekends I'll be stripping the suspension ... so ask me in about 20k miles

Fluid was in around 3k miles. Dunno... It wasn't enough to be annoying, just enough that I noticed when it got firmer.

I'm no tart
Just been watching American Chopper and they have all kinds of coloured fluids (not colored). Just thought I would ask anyway to change the subject slightly.