| [GMCnet] DOT 5.1 brake fluid [message #337930] |
Tue, 16 October 2018 13:25  |
JerryW
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma:
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Senior Member |
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In case that some of you have not noticed, there is a relatively new DOT brake fluid.
It is DOT 5.1. NOTE that this is NOT a silicone based fluid. It is glycol bases and compatible with DOT3 and DOT4.
DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are both glycol-based brake fluids and are used widely in the automotive and cycle industry. They are controlled by standards set out by the Department of Transportation (DOT) - hence the name.
The main difference between these two brake fluids is in their boiling points. Part of the standards that need to be met by the manufacturers of DOT fluids are the minimum dry and wet boiling points. These are the minimum temperatures that the brake fluid must perform at before the brake fluid starts to boil, which can lead to complete brake failure
Here are the specs for the Dry Boiling Point and the Wet Boiling point
DRY WET
DOT3 401 F. 284 F.
DOT 4 446 F 311 F.
DOT 5 500 F. 356 F. (silicone)
DOT 5.1 518 F. 374 F.
Remember, these are only the minimum standards. Brake fluid manufacturers can and often do improve on these figures and it is possible to find DOT 4 brake fluid with a higher boiling point than some DOT 5.1 fluids on the market.
Since DOT 4 and 5.1 are both glycol-based brake fluids they are compatible with each other, which means they can be readily mixed without harming your brake system. It is important never to mistake DOT 5.1 (glycol-based) with DOT 5 which is silicone-based and should never be mixed with any other DOT fluid.
I recently installed Dave Lenzi’s new rear brake system and I used Wagner DOT 5.1 severe duty brake fluid.
I found it on AMAZON for $12.98 for a 32oz (1 quart) container.
This is about 1/2 the price at an auto parts store.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
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