Better brake feel with LV fluid
#1
Better brake feel with LV fluid
I've found that replacing the brake fluid with Pentosin LV fluid increases pedal feel noticeably. I would describe the feel as much more like a modern high performance car where the pedal is bright, clear and responsive. I've now had this experience on 2 cars, both with Brembo front and rear block calipers. I did a brembo caliper retrofit with normal fluid and once it was all working, flushed and leak free, then I replaced the standard fluid with LV fluid so I had a back to back comparison.
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I've got quite a few project cars and I'm a bit pre-occupied with the precision and tacktile feel of the driving experience and the man / machine interface and this fluid helps noticeably. I often spend lots of time lubricating fulcrums, cups, and replacing nylon and bronze bushes for tightness and smoothness.
Hopefully someone find this info as useful as I have found all the other info on this site quite useful.
Technical details are here.
http://www.pentosin.net/specsheets/Pentosin_Dot4_LV.pdf
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I've got quite a few project cars and I'm a bit pre-occupied with the precision and tacktile feel of the driving experience and the man / machine interface and this fluid helps noticeably. I often spend lots of time lubricating fulcrums, cups, and replacing nylon and bronze bushes for tightness and smoothness.
Hopefully someone find this info as useful as I have found all the other info on this site quite useful.
Technical details are here.
http://www.pentosin.net/specsheets/Pentosin_Dot4_LV.pdf
#2
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I'd like to know what the mfg of the master cyl, and the wheel cylinder think of this plan.
If you are ever following me, please leave extra, extra space.
#3
I have yet to see any manufacture claim DOT 4LV isn't backwards compatible in a DOT 3 or 4 system. The only cars you cannot use this in, are those which use mineral fluid.
From the EBC site:
https://ebcbrakes.com/product/brake-fluids/
This product can be mixed with other glycol fluids of the same base and is recommended for use in the hydraulic brake and clutch systems of all cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles for which a glycol based DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid is specified.
NOT SUITABLE FOR USE WITH MINERAL OIL SYSTEMS. If in doubt consult vehicle handbook.
This product conforms to and exceeds the latest ISO 4925 Class 6 standard. It also meets current international specifications U.S. FMVSS No.116 DOT 3, DOT 4, SAE J1703, SAE J1704 and ISO 4925 (Classes 3 & 4).
NOT SUITABLE FOR USE WITH MINERAL OIL SYSTEMS. If in doubt consult vehicle handbook.
This product conforms to and exceeds the latest ISO 4925 Class 6 standard. It also meets current international specifications U.S. FMVSS No.116 DOT 3, DOT 4, SAE J1703, SAE J1704 and ISO 4925 (Classes 3 & 4).
#4
Thanks H.P. I couldn't have said it better myself. I can fix or make anything but often I can't get my point across with words.
Empirically speaking....The other off topic vehicle I used the LV fluid in ran a track day at Limerock and performed great.
Empirically speaking....The other off topic vehicle I used the LV fluid in ran a track day at Limerock and performed great.
#6
Edit: Found it
So yes, "Porsche fully subscribes to it in a 30 YO 928"
BUUUT, Bimmerworld..a more sport/racing focused area than we are here...
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Normal or Low Viscosity? For the track it's always Normal Viscosity brake fluid. This is because Low viscosity fluids will be too thin once exposed to typical track temperatures.
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I dont fully understand what that means..does it affect how BMW ABS works?
It does not however change that it meets the service/hydraulic specifications required at any temp.
Last edited by Speedtoys; 08-08-2018 at 06:35 PM.
#7
I prefer the extra safety margin that a higher boiling point fluid provides, like Motul RBF600. The safety margin I'm talking about is let's say you end up with a sticking caliper or parking brake that at some point doesn't fully release for whatever reason, and starts dragging the brakes a little and building up heat. The Motul fluid won't boil until 85 degrees later (dry boiling point) or 60 degrees later (wet boiling point) once it has absorbed some water compared to this fluid. I've converted all of my vehicles over to RBF600 and do a fluid flush and bleed once a year with a Motive power bleeder. I can do all 6 in about 2 hours and also only have to stock 1 type fluid in the cabinet.
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#8
Under cold braking conditions (fluid under 100 C) the LV brake fluid will have less resistance to flow therefore better brake pedal feel when not exposed to high heat. In extreme temps such as racing applications where viscosity starts to decrease significantly and a LV fluid that has a lower boiling point, it could be a recipe for disaster.
If you're just driving under normal circumstances and not seeing excessive brake temps, it's no surprise that a LV fluid has given you a better brake pedal feel. -Nick
If you're just driving under normal circumstances and not seeing excessive brake temps, it's no surprise that a LV fluid has given you a better brake pedal feel. -Nick
#10
Since ATE gold fluid is available I would strongly suggest that you use it in your 928,
most of these cars are not race cars, and will not see frequent fluid changes
so it will provide the best service without concern for cross mixing fluids
most of these cars are not race cars, and will not see frequent fluid changes
so it will provide the best service without concern for cross mixing fluids
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redcarrera (01-10-2023)
#11
The ATE 200 Gold was the fluid I used to use. It's fine but pricey and not locally available to me.
The vast majority of Porsche 928's here , 99% of us will never see track duty and not all tracks are brake intensive.
As someone who has raced on a track I wouldn't rely on 20 degrees of fluid heat tollerance alone. I'd re-look at the brake system as a whole and find other way to keep it cool...perhaps larger brakes, better ducting etc.
The vast majority of Porsche 928's here , 99% of us will never see track duty and not all tracks are brake intensive.
As someone who has raced on a track I wouldn't rely on 20 degrees of fluid heat tollerance alone. I'd re-look at the brake system as a whole and find other way to keep it cool...perhaps larger brakes, better ducting etc.
#12
The ATE 200 Gold was the fluid I used to use. It's fine but pricey and not locally available to me.
The vast majority of Porsche 928's here , 99% of us will never see track duty and not all tracks are brake intensive.
As someone who has raced on a track I wouldn't rely on 20 degrees of fluid heat tollerance alone. I'd re-look at the brake system as a whole and find other way to keep it cool...perhaps larger brakes, better ducting etc.
The vast majority of Porsche 928's here , 99% of us will never see track duty and not all tracks are brake intensive.
As someone who has raced on a track I wouldn't rely on 20 degrees of fluid heat tollerance alone. I'd re-look at the brake system as a whole and find other way to keep it cool...perhaps larger brakes, better ducting etc.