JW911

Okay, it's time for a brake fluid change. Manual says change every two years. It also says that I need to use only Porsche brake fluid. Is this really true? Or are they just trying to keep my dollars flowing in their direction?

Can I just use any DOT4 fluid like ATE Superblue? Any warranty issues?

Jim Michaels

I've used Castrol SPF and ATE for their higher boiling points. Both seem to work well. Porsche knows their own brake fluid works well (along with all their other recommended fluids and parts), but can't be sure that all other brands work as well. I don't know who makes the Porsche labeled fluid. I don't think there would be any warranty issues with a high quality brand, but one never knows for sure until it's too late.

DKCA

As almost all current cars have anti-lock brakes, is the Porsche Fluid a DOT 5.1, brake fluid? Not to be confused with DOT 5.0 Silicon Based brake fluids. Do not use these.
DOT 5.1 is a mineral based brake fluid that is different from Dot 3/4 in that it is thinner, lower viscosity, than Dot 4.

The Idea is that it will flow faster thru the anti-lock solenoids.

ltc

ATE Blue may leave a stain/ring on the plastic resevoir over time, making it difficult to quickly read fluid level.
ATE Typ 200 (a.k.a. ATE Gold) is the same as ATE Blue, just minus the blue dye. Some people alternate between Blue and Gold during system flushes to know when they've completely flushed the lines.

Are you consdering any track use? If not, then OEM fluid is sufficient. If so, then I would consider Castrol SRF (yes, I know it's $70/litre, but trust me, it's worth it) or perhaps Motul. Both have been discussed in the Racing/DE forum.

Paul S.

I use ATE Type 200 (commonly called ATE Gold)--costs about $12-15 per liter depending on where you buy it vs. $40 per liter for the Porsche branded brake fluid. If you don't already have one, get yourself a motive power bleeder for easy, one-man brake fluid flushes. A very easy DIY and don't forget the clutch bleeder, while you're at it.

RonCT

I used ATE 200 in my M3 ($10 a liter same as Blue but without the nasty dye). I got a bottle of Motul 600 Race (better) for free with a set of pads, I think it runs about $15. Farnbacher Loles insisted on SRF in my car when they worked on it, so that's what I have in there now.

jnx

Another vote for ATE 200.

Pete Lech

I use Motul RBF 600. Very high dry and wet boiling points.

mdrums

For driving on the street even spirited sterrt driving the stock Porsche brake fluid is fine. I have done some DE track days and my brake pedal got a little mushy...not bad but a little mushy so I switched over to the ATE Hi-Temp Blue to try it out.

cviles

I use ATE Typ 200 gold, and bleed regularly for track events. For street driving, or even just beginning to DE, the factory fluid is good stuff. Once you start using the brakes HARD, you'll want a higher-temp fluid though.