Brake Fluid Flush

[Rahul325]

how often do y'all flush the brake fluid. I plan to start doing it once a year since i am going for at lease 5-6 autoXs a year.


later...

[BJO]

go at least once a yr. what kind of fluid will you use?

[Rahul325]

i was thinking the regular BMW brake fluid, is there something special i gota use since i am going for autoXs, what do u suggest BJO ? and approximately how much does it cost compared to the BMW brake fluid ?

thnx,


later...

[BJO]

well, you can get the ATE superblue or type2000 brake fluid, but castrol LMA from Pep boys works well too. it has a lower boiling point than the ATE, but it will work good for auto-xing and street use. i recently switched from the ATE super blue to the castrol since it's easier to find.

[umnitza]

ATE is at all the Monument and Kragen's that I've visited.

Where's the option for with each pad change:D

[Jim O.]

Autox isn't like track work, where you run the risk of boiling your brake fluid. So, you really don't need anything special in terms of brake fluid. I use ATE SuperBlue (or Typ 2000), and it seems to work just fine. Previously, I used Castrol LMA, and it worked just fine, too, for about half the price of the ATE fluid. However, since it has a lower wet boiling point, I changed it a bit more often. With heavy autoxing (40+ events per year, usually with at least 2 drivers), I like to change the brake fluid about every 6 months, or whenever the pedal feel changes. Each time I open a fresh bottle of brake fluid - when I finish, I dispose of whatever is left. At least with the cost of Castrol, I don't feel guilty about having to get rid of the leftovers...

Jim

[Rahul325]

Originally posted by Jim O.
Autox isn't like track work, where you run the risk of boiling your brake fluid. So, you really don't need anything special in terms of brake fluid. I use ATE SuperBlue (or Typ 2000), and it seems to work just fine. Previously, I used Castrol LMA, and it worked just fine, too, for about half the price of the ATE fluid.
Jim

Jim,
so do u suggest i stick with the BMW brake fluid or should i go with ATE SuperBlue or Castrol LMA ??

appreciate the comments from u guys as always :-)

later...

[umnitza]

Sounds like Jim's saying for the money - Castrol LMA is the choice.

[Rahul325]

Since i autoX less than 10 times a year, is it ok to just change the brake fluid once a year ???
btw how much of Castrol LMA do i need and how much does it cost( can i get it at autozone or a discount auto store??)

later...

[BJO]

Rahul325: get about 3 small bottles ($3.00)or 1 large bottle ($5.00) at pep boys, etc. yeah, its fine to change once a yr.

[Rahul325]

thx a lot BJO :)

[arkie6]

I went to the local AutoZone to pick up some Castrol GT LMA brake fluid to do a flush and they no longer carried it. Their top of the line brake fluid now is Valvoline Synthetic DOT 4 brake fluid. The bottle listed a dry boiling point of 502 deg F and a wet boiling point of 343 deg F which is a little better than the Castrol LMA. The price was the same as the Castrol used to be, $4.99/32 oz. The Valvoline stated that it was compatible with all DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids and was designed/suitable for ABS systems. Does anyone have any info or thoughts on this Valvoline Synthetic brake fluid? I would probably get the ATE Super Blue, but none of the local parts stores carry it (I live in a small town).

[BJO]

Rahul325: no prob. glad to help.

arkie6: i've seen the valvoline fluid around as well and compared it side by side to the castrol. on paper the valvoline is a little better, but i haven't heard of anyone using it. i'm sure it's good, but i've used the castrol and have been happy with it.