Rookie disc brake question regarding oils

Celtic Dragon

Is there any specific grade of mineral oil needed for brake line?

I have a 2008 GT Avalanche, and its fitted with Tektro hydro discs, I've done a quick search on here and on Tektro's website and can find nothing. My current thinking is the brakes aren't going to be on the bike in 6 months, unless I can improve them.

I'm more than happy to do my own servicing on the bike (I'm an engineer) and thanks to work have a selection of mineral oil at my disposal (buy it through work). My only question is what grade of oil is used?

Can I use say powersteering fluid or a slightly heavier oil, or are the oils used, specific for bikes?

nicklouse

i have a feeling that your brakes will not be mineral oil but good old Dot brake fluid.

Celtic Dragon

They say mineral oil on them and on the web site.

supersonic

You can buy 'specific' mineral oil for brakes such as Magura Blood, but even the grade is not stated. You could try removing the reservoir cap and doing a simple drip test to guage the viscosity. Many people use citroen hydrauilc fluid.

nicklouse

right you are. citroen suspension fluid will do fine then.

Celtic Dragon

Thats cool I have 5 litres of the stuff in the office

Thanks guys

Big n Daft

The only info I can find states:

"Standard non corrosive mineral oil"

http://www.ultrarob.com/shop/product/Te ... Fluid.html

It's a US site, but might ship if you can't find anything over here.

I know Evans sell finish line mineral oil, might be suitable? Perhaps a little phone call to them will put you right?

Big n Daft

That again will teach me to stop writing the reply while searching for stuff!

<Bimbles off to find Citroen's website>