Fluids

[burt ragio]

Want to replace brake & power steering fluid. What are recommendations brand & type needed ?

[fastblackmerc]

Want to replace brake & power steering fluid. What are recommendations brand & type needed ?

Brake fluid - type 3

Power steering fluid - Mercon tranny fluid

[Marauderjack]

Why Type 3 brake fluid Jim??

[fastblackmerc]

DOT3 because that what Ford calls for in the owners manual. Ford specification: ESA-M6C25-A and DOT3.

You can use DOT4 in place of DOT3 but not the other way around. DOT5 is not interchangeable or compatible with DOT3, 4, and 5.1 fluids and can cause catastrophic system failure. DOT3, 4, and 5.1 are glycol ether based. They are compatible, but like motor oils, you should use the recommended or higher grade fluid. DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids should not be mixed. The two can react negatively with one another and cause corrosion of a vehicle's brake system. They also have significantly different boiling points, with DOT4 having a higher boiling point than DOT3.

Everything you need to know about brake fluid
www.sector111.com/images/.../brake.../The%20ABCs%20of%20Brake%20Flui d.pdf

[Marauderjack]

I just checked and I used DOT4 in mine when I changed the fluid!!:beer:

There is also a bottle of DOT3&4 out there.....probably just DOT4 from what you're saying??:confused:

[burt ragio]

Are all Dot 3 brake fluids the same ?
Is one brand better than another ?

[jaywish]

Now many dot 4 fluids are also sold specifically as dot 3 compatible. (Dot 3-4) This is what I use now when I flush a system.

I also add a tag/label to the reservoir indicating "DOT 4 fluid only". The idea is not to add dot 3 once it has been converted.

Also, from reading, dot 4 is slightly more hygroscopic then dot 3 so that needs to be considered.

I think the higher boiling point of dot 4 is worth it.

As to the brand, I avoid China made chemicals. I bought a case of Johnsen's on Amazon.

[RF Overlord]

I just put all new brakes in the DD and used this (http://www.autozone.com/brake-and-power-steering-fluid-additives/brake-fluid/valvoline-12-oz-dot-3-and-4-brake-fluid/33408_0_0/).

[RubberCtyRauder]

Now many dot 4 fluids are also sold specifically as dot 3 compatible. (Dot 3-4) This is what I use now when I flush a system.

I also add a tag/label to the reservoir indicating "DOT 4 fluid only". The idea is not to add dot 3 once it has been converted.

Also, from reading, dot 4 is slightly more hygroscopic then dot 3 so that needs to be considered.

I think the higher boiling point of dot 4 is worth it.

As to the brand, I avoid China made chemicals. I bought a case of Johnsen's on Amazon.

DOT 4 is LESS hygroscopic as it absorbs water less then DOT 3..All brake fluids are hygroscopic.

[fastblackmerc]

DOT 4 is LESS hygroscopic as it absorbs water less then DOT 3..All brake fluids are hygroscopic.

DOT5 (silicone-based) isn't hydroscopic.

[fastblackmerc]

Are all Dot 3 brake fluids the same ?
Is one brand better than another ?

No...............

If I'm going to flush the system I get the cheapest brand.

In the United States, all brake fluids must meet Standard No. 116; Motor vehicle brake fluids. Under this standard there are three Department of Transportation (DOT) minimum specifications for brake fluid. They are DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5.1. All are glycol-based (that is why they absorb water).

[RubberCtyRauder]

DOT 5.1 is,as it is glycol ether based, but silicone based ones are not hygroscopic, not hydro

[burt ragio]

Great information Tks. Time for a flush/fill brakes & power steering this Sunday.