7 replies to this topic

[Al*]

Well I want to get my brake system all topped up with fluid and bled but I don't know what sort of brake fluid to use? does anybody know 100% what the right stuff to use is? Is Dot 3 brake fluid good cause I have alot of that at home as it is the norm for cars over here. also as I've never done the clutch either I need to know the same thing about the clutch..... what fluid do you use in the clutch resevoir? someone told me that it was dot 3 for both but i just want to know 100% for sure.... thanks,

Al

* once this is done all I have to do before firing rusty is get the fuel lines in, battery cables, carbs, and rad..... then I'll slap a seat in it and burn it around the block with no doors! *

[Dan]

Use the same for both. Use at least dot three. If you use something higher (as in dot four) then it will be backwards compatible so it won't matter if what is in there already is slightly older (or newer for that matter), the top up won't react with the older fluid. Just don't mix silicon with mineral. They claim that as the silicon has a dot rating it too must be compatible with older fluids but it clearly isnt. Mix the two in a jar and they seperate in no time.

[Woody]

With the brakes it is best to bleed the system untill you get clean fluid from all the nipples , old fluid will give you a spongy pedal .

[mattvallins]

Its probably worth buying some new Dot 4 or 5, as brake fluid absorbs water, which lowers its boiling point. This is bad because it then vapourises and leaves gas inside the pipes to give spongey brakes. Over time, even in a pot dot 3/4/5 absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, so its worth getting new if you can.

[Bluemini]

Yeha they say not to use brake fluid that has been sat for a while when its been opened because of this.

Buy a new bottle of dot 4 as its cheap enough, and when it comes to brakes, you want them to work propperly all the time!

[Al*]

my whole system is dry as it has all been replaced/rebuilt and th ebottle of dot 3 that i have is a brand new 4 liter bottle......

thanks for the advice.

Al

[Al*]

the whole brake system is new/rebuilt so it is currently dry and the jug of dot 3 is new never opened 4 liter jug so thanks for all the tips and advice.... going to do them today i guess

Al

[dklawson]

Have you read the running discussions at Mini Mania about this?

IF you've really replaced all the rubber bits of the braking system (including hoses, proportioning valve, and a servo if fitted) you can use anything you want that's available over here. HOWEVER, what's your intended use for the car?

Limited use cars that you've spent a lot of money on benefit most from DOT-5 Silicone fluid. DOT-3 is available everywhere but you know what it does to paint. DOT-4 LMA is also good and it's frequently used for more spirited driving. DOT-5.1 is considered ideal by most racers, but it also will attack paint. IF the car is a street car given occasional drives consider DOT-5 and you won't be sorry. The only problem I know of with DOT-5 in old Minis is that for some reason it tends to attack the early, hydraulic brake light switch. For racing and spirited driving, DOT-4 or DOT-5.1. For a beater or if you just want readily available fluid, DOT-3.