Bleeding brakes

gotta_hurt
gotta_hurt Posts: 239
edited January 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Going to be putting new hoses on bike, been useing dot 4 fluid, but saw some dot 5.1...is that to thin to use? Don't want to mess around bleeding to find out it's to thin?

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1695431/

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    it can be suitable. What brakes?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • gotta_hurt
    gotta_hurt Posts: 239
    Haynes sole
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
    Use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Do not use any petroleum-based lubricants, as this will cause the rubber parts to swell. Hayes recommends the use of DOT 3 or DOT
    4 brake fluid. Clean the disc and pads only with isopropyl alcohol.
    I have mailed them in the past about 5.1 and they have said DO NOT use. But i can not see why as the base for the fluid is the same.

    So the option is yours.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • gotta_hurt
    gotta_hurt Posts: 239
    Ok...thanks Nick...i'll stick to useing dot 4 then!
    Cheers mate!
  • Rockhopper
    Rockhopper Posts: 503
    Dot 3,4 and 5.1 can be safely mixed.

    Dot 5 can't be mixed with anyhting other thanmore Dot 5
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Rockhopper wrote:
    Dot 3,4 and 5.1 can be safely mixed.

    Dot 5 can't be mixed with anyhting other thanmore Dot 5

    Correct and as mentioned i put this to Hayes and they said 3-4 only. I put it down to them being American.

    I have been mixing them since DOT 4 came out.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown

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