what grade of brake fluid should I be using in my sapphire cosworth 4x4? it has got standard factory calipers and master cylinder (ABS).

Any recommendations as to brand of fluid and procedure for replacing my brake fluid are appreciated and welcomed.


Thanks guys.

 

Castrol sfx fluid is the most recomended stuff, but you cant mix it and its expensive

 

DOT 4, change every 6 months to 1 year.
I use a gunsons eezibleed to do mine, with abs pump motor disconnected and key in position 1 to open abs valve block, always works for me.
As for brand, just any decent one, but always buy the newset stuff you can, so it has not been sitting on a shelf for years, as it absorbs moisture even in a unopened bottle.
tabetha

 

I use a original ford SuperDOT4 and change it every two years.

 

I use Halfords Dot 5 for racing. Mostly because I can nip down the Old Kent Road and buy it on a Sunday.

And it works.


Charlie

 

DOT 5 is better for racing, or for road car if you change it often, as it is super hygroscopic compared to dot 4 etc.
tabetha

 

But I have read that: DOT 5 is silicone based unlike DOT 3, 4 & 5.1. which are glycol based and therefore cannot be mixed with DOT 5. Silicon based fluids can destroy the seals in brake systems which rely on the moisturizer additives that are present in DOT3/4/5.1 fluids.

I also came across this about DOT 5 (silicon based):
- they are resistant to absorbing water, which is why their wet boiling points are so high. Problem is that any water content eventually pools in the low spots of the brake system and causes rust.
- they don't strip paint.
- they are not compatible with most ABS system because they doesn't lubricate the ABS pump like a glycol based fluid.
- putting this fluid in systems which have had DOT3/4 fluid in will cause the seals in the caliper and master cylinders to malfunction. Which means they need replacing.

Since you also suggested the use of DOT 5 fluid am I safe to conclude that cossie 4x4 braking components are compatible with both silicone and glycol based brake fluids??!!!? Is this possible!!??

 

i run DOT 5.1 in mine, works well, never boiled it yet, and i have a habbit of boiling brake fluid!