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DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid ?

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Old 10-28-2012 | 12:43 AM
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Default DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid ?

This is the correct brake fluid isnt it? I am not able to drive to the Houston Porsche dealer to buy their brand fluid.

I will be doing a brake fluid flush, oil / filter change, air filter, cabin filter, and spark plugs, as soon as my car rolls out of the enclosed trailer on Monday. Pelican has a pretty handy tuneup / filter kit I ordered and it came in already. Just want to make sure that I buy the right brake fluid. The Wagner 5.1 fluid is:

Wagner Brake Products - Brake Fluid
Part Number: FC133301
Line: WAG

UPC: 8536204695
DOT 5.1
Quart

Is DOT 4 also OK? Hard to find a clear answer on brake fluids.
Old 10-28-2012 | 01:55 AM
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Don't use 5.1 or 5. It's 4. I think Ate super blue or gold is the preferred fluid.
Old 10-28-2012 | 01:05 PM
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or Motul 600 or Castrol SRF.
Old 10-28-2012 | 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by KrazyK
Hard to find a clear answer on brake fluids.
Really? Search button young grasshopper.......
Old 10-28-2012 | 01:13 PM
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I put in Motul and after about 7 track days and almost a year of daily driving I couldn't be happier. I'm due for a flush and will be going with the same stuff again.
Old 10-28-2012 | 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by nick49
Don't use 5.1 or 5. It's 4. I think Ate super blue or gold is the preferred fluid.
+100.

OP, while you were at PELICAN, did you miss this: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...BRKhyd_pg1.htm


Originally Posted by Sneaky Pete
Really? Search button young grasshopper.......
You have a point : http://lmgtfy.com/?q=what+brake+flui...Porsche+996%3F
Old 10-28-2012 | 04:18 PM
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Those were some funny responses. I should have spent more time looking on Pelican site. My point is I was trying to find many replacement fluids/oils etc. locally without going through Porsche dealer or mail order. There does not seem to be a simple guide that shows information like this:

Brake fluid: Porsche brand recommended but you can use XYZ brand available at Autozone.

Info like this would be nice on all the fluids to make it easier to find them. Thanks.
Old 10-29-2012 | 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by KrazyK
Those were some funny responses. I should have spent more time looking on Pelican site. My point is I was trying to find many replacement fluids/oils etc. locally without going through Porsche dealer or mail order. There does not seem to be a simple guide that shows information like this:

Brake fluid: Porsche brand recommended but you can use XYZ brand available at Autozone.

Info like this would be nice on all the fluids to make it easier to find them. Thanks.
NAPA has Lobo Moly and Petosin brake fluids that would work for you. I'm not sure if I would trust the other brands if you plan on doing any high performance driving/braking. But in theory it should work if it's DOT 4.
Old 10-30-2012 | 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by dotframe
I put in Motul and after about 7 track days and almost a year of daily driving I couldn't be happier.
+1
Old 10-31-2012 | 02:26 PM
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I put FUCHS Maintain DOT 4
Old 01-31-2013 | 09:23 AM
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FYI
You can use 5.1, it is not the same fluid as Dot 5 and is fully compatible with dot 3 and dot 4. It is thinner at less than 900cst for micro valves in abs pumps on modern cars.
Old 01-31-2013 | 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by nick49
Don't use 5.1 or 5. It's 4. I think Ate super blue or gold is the preferred fluid.
You can use 5.1, not 5.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOT_5.1
Old 01-31-2013 | 03:23 PM
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Look for the highest boiling point if you need to get something off the shelf from places like Autozone. I believe Ford brake fluid was popular at one point due to their high boiling point.

Also keep in mind that some hardcore brake fluids made for racing applications will require more maintenance in terms of flushing since they are more prone to collecting moisture.

Edit: I agree with checking with Napa if you have one close by. Another alternative would be O'Reilly's if you have that close by as they started to carry some performance oils and brake fluids as of late.
Old 01-31-2013 | 03:49 PM
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Everyone is different, but personally I wouldn't use an average 5.1 but a quality Dot 4.

Some 5.1 only just reach a minimun DOT 5.1 spec on wet and dry boiling points, some absorb moisture quicker, where as a quality dot 4 (Castrol React Performance DOT 4) is higher than DOT 5.1 specs and not as thin, Which some believe can be an issue for hydraulic clutch applications in VAG cars when used in the same braking system.

Castrol React Performance DOT 4 is a very good allround performer (its not a Dot 5.1 due to the viscosity)
Dry Boiling Point ºC 280
Wet Boiling Point ºC 180

The minimum dry/wet boiling point specifications for each DOT level.
Boiling Point DOT 3
Dry 205°C
Wet 140°C

DOT 4
Dry 230°C
Wet 155°C

DOT 5 (silicone do not use)
Dry 260°C
Wet 185°C

DOT 5.1
Dry 260°C
Wet 180°C


The choice is down to each individual, but just remember that while some are higher performers for race use, they need to be changed much more than the Porsche 2 year service interval due to moisture.
Old 01-31-2013 | 04:04 PM
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I use motul. Easily found at any motorcycle shop.


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