Dot 5.1 = Dot 5.1

ddraver

hi all

Need some new Brake fluid for m Formula Oro's. There is a car parts store that has some for a tenner. Are they all the same?

The main thing putting me off getting it is that it's more fluid than I think i could ever use!!

DaveK

nicklouse

same stuff. you could also use any DOT4 or DOT3.

The Rookie

Yes DOT 5.1 is DOT 5.1, use away (but NOT 5.0!)

benpinnick

They arent the same, as dot 5.1 is a minimum standard & type, not an exact standard. That said, for MTB use Ive always found halfords bog standard 5.1 to be just fine.

thistle_

I think it's like different brands of petrol - essentially the same, meet the same standards and should all mix with each other without any issue.

I've used the Lucas fluid in my brakes, under a tenner for 500ml at the local motor factors.

Anonymous

benpinnick wrote:

That said, for MTB use Ive always found halfords bog standard 5.1 to be just fine.

+1

Much cheaper than Avid's own and just as good at eating through your worktop. The cap stays on better though so doesn't leak and disolve the box and contents I keep it in (unlike Avid's which did).

p.s. pop into the car section and you can get a much bigger bottle of the same stuff at better value for money. However I've heard the stuff doesn't like sitting around for a while once opened and better off with the smaller bottle. Not sure if that's true.

benpinnick

DK is right about smaller bottles. 5.1 degrades over time, specifically it absorbs water. So you are best off getting the smaller bottles as thats still more than you'll ever need, and saves you taking the rest down the tip at a later date. This http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255218 would be ideal.

WisePranker

deadkenny wrote:

However I've heard the stuff doesn't like sitting around for a while once opened and better off with the smaller bottle. Not sure if that's true.

It does degrade over time at it will absorb water. The amount if water it absorbs though is incredibly tiny and won't affect your braking on your bike.
I've just finished a bottle of fluid that's probably been open three or four years when I bled my Hope brakes after cutting the hose on them. Absolutely no problems with the braking despite the old fluid.

YeehaaMcgee

You had a bottle left open for 3 or four years?
I suspect you may be one of those people who expects less from their brakes than I do.

nicklouse

YeehaaMcgee wrote:

You had a bottle left open for 3 or four years?
I suspect you may be one of those people who expects less from their brakes than I do.

open or opened?

yes if left open it will degreade but if closed and storred correctly it can be fine for a long time.