Synthetic brake fluid

[aldive]

Has anyone changed to synthetic brake fluid?

Comments. please.....

 

[gijoecam]

It would require new seals in the master cylinder, brake lines, ABS pump, and caliper pistons. Dot 5 brake fluid will eat away the seals of a dot-3 or dot-4 system. (read: leaks!) Can it be done? sure. Is it worth it? No way.

-Joe-

 

[Chris Jella']

Huhhhhhh?
My 93 has had Valvoline synthetic brake fluid in it for 35,000 miles and over a year. I flushed it myself. No leaks, or problems and the brakes feel better than ever. In fact I have 35,000 on the brake pads and they still appear to have about half life left and no warped rotors. I've been very happy with the switch.
CJ

 

[AgExplorer]

I agree with Chris. I switched to Valvoline synthetic brake fluid with no problems. Brake fluid with the same DOT rating is compatible whether it's synthetic or dino. Just beware of the products that are silicone based, which are usually rated DOT 5. They can cause problems when mixed. Be sure to check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's DOT recommendation.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by gijoecam
It would require new seals in the master cylinder, brake lines, ABS pump, and caliper pistons. Dot 5 brake fluid will eat away the seals of a dot-3 or dot-4 system. (read: leaks!) Can it be done? sure. Is it worth it? No way.

Are you certain? I do know people that have switched to synthetic without doing what you say.

Please explain.

Thanks...

 

[S.Matsushige]

I've had Valvoline synthetic in my '91 for some time now. I don't know about the leaking problem, because I did a complete brake overhaul when I switched. Seems to work better than the conventional stuff.

 

[gijoecam]

I stand corrected... I didn't know Valvoline was making a Dot-4. I was told Dot-5 will eat up the seals over time, though. When I was working at Murrays a few years back, that was what the prestone rep told us... times are changin'.

-Joe-