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Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes / Re: Brake and clutch bleed interval with modern synthetic brake fluid?
« Last post by rogerh113 on June 30, 2025, 23:56:10 »Pretty much raises more issues than answers. Apparently there is a component in DOT4 (according to a German contributor, I think), that is not kind to gaskets. Seems most run DOT 3/4, which may have the same issue (if there is one). Does not appear to be 113 people talking about how their brake system was damaged by DOT 3/4 fluid. Perhaps DOT 3/4 is different than DOT 4.
I need to do some more research - right now I would consider the low moisture absorbent Prestone DOT3, which claims 50K mi service interval. Like the LMA feature, but don't buy the service interval so much. I don't do any competitive driving, and there seems to be no obvious superficial issues. Have to see if there are any downsides to DOT 3.
One guy has run DOT 5 for apparently 10 years, but them others say that water collects in parts of the system which can later rust through.
At some point, I wonder how much difference there actually is in these brake fluids. Pretty much of a PITA for someone that just want to bleed their brakes and clutch......
In the '99 SL500 I recently did, the fluid had been in for a couple of years, and came out clear like I put it in the day before. I am more used to the fluid coming out looking a bit dark and 'worn'.
I need to do some more research - right now I would consider the low moisture absorbent Prestone DOT3, which claims 50K mi service interval. Like the LMA feature, but don't buy the service interval so much. I don't do any competitive driving, and there seems to be no obvious superficial issues. Have to see if there are any downsides to DOT 3.
One guy has run DOT 5 for apparently 10 years, but them others say that water collects in parts of the system which can later rust through.
At some point, I wonder how much difference there actually is in these brake fluids. Pretty much of a PITA for someone that just want to bleed their brakes and clutch......
In the '99 SL500 I recently did, the fluid had been in for a couple of years, and came out clear like I put it in the day before. I am more used to the fluid coming out looking a bit dark and 'worn'.