Man up? WTF kind of a remark is that? I'm not asking you to make a decision for me. I was just asking if anyone knows the specifics on the two types SO I CAN DECIDE.Alas, there are as many differences of opinion on brake fluid as there are on oil. Some say it is safe to mix any dot 4 fluids (reg, super, and lv). Some say never to mix any dot 4 varieties in any amounts as you can reduce the properties of super or lv by mixing in reg. I'm afraid you're going to have to just man/woman up and make your own decision.
I agree that there is a reason why the owner's manual makes recommendations. But sometimes those reasons have little to do with what is best for vehicle and more to do with what is best for the Ford. I do intend to use what is recommended in the manual but I just like to know why I am doing what I am doing."Use only Motorcraft DOT 4 LV High Performance Brake Fluid or equivalent meeting WSS-M6C65-A2
and ISO 4925 Class 6. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause brake system
damage."
I would guess that there is a reason that DOT 4 LV brake fluid is specifically recommended so why not use it? One advantage of Low Viscosity fluid is that it works better in cold temperatures.
Peter
Low viscosity brake fluid can be used in vehicles that do not require a low viscosity fluid; however, standard DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid should not be used for top off in vehicles that require a low viscosity brake fluid. This action will reduce the low temperature properties and decrease the safety performance of the fluid.
Pentosin
I imagine Ford would have used the cheapest option that did the job when manufacturing the vehicle to save on the cost (more profit).
If LV costs more I suspect there is a reason they used it
Good luck to you. Don't forget to change the winter air in your tires for summer air by June 20.Man up? WTF kind of a remark is that? I'm not asking you to make a decision for me. I was just asking if anyone knows the specifics on the two types SO I CAN DECIDE.
Good luck to you. Don't forget to change the winter air in your tires for summer air by June 20.
The Non-LV fluid may affect ABS performance in cold climates.
I found the Motorcraft brand for ~ $13/bottle shipped on eBay.
So far just your reputation as a "shade-tree mechanic"............. I'm just hoping I didn't damage anything.
So far just your reputation as a "shade-tree mechanic".
Peter
Something doesn't seem right if simply changing the fluid from 4lv to 4 caused your brakes to go from solid to mush. Mush/spongy feel is usually air in line, leak, or mechanical problem.I can attest to the fact there is a noticeable difference on our explorers that require the LV for me anyway. I did a brake fluid change on it a couple months ago and mistakenly used regular Dot 4. I immediately noticed decreased performance in the brakes the the pedal had a more mushy feel to it. I double checked and bled the system to be sure there was no air in it. I finally had gotten around to getting some motorcraft Dot 4 LV and flushed the system etc... It now brakes normal again and the pedal is more sensitive as it once was. I'm just hoping I didn't damage anything.
I can attest to the fact there is a noticeable difference on our explorers that require the LV for me anyway. I did a brake fluid change on it a couple months ago and mistakenly used regular Dot 4. I immediately noticed decreased performance in the brakes the the pedal had a more mushy feel to it. I double checked and bled the system to be sure there was no air in it. I finally had gotten around to getting some motorcraft Dot 4 LV and flushed the system etc... It now brakes normal again and the pedal is more sensitive as it once was. I'm just hoping I didn't damage anything.
Something doesn't seem right if simply changing the fluid from 4lv to 4 caused your brakes to go from solid to mush. Mush/spongy feel is usually air in line, leak, or mechanical problem.