Stick with DOT5 or go to DOT3/4

[yolner]

I'm going to be putting my brake system back together with basically all new parts. I'm seriously considering going with DOT3/4 fluid just because it's easy to get anywhere and I don't mind flushing it every couple of years. Is there any reason to stick with DOT5 if you're basically starting from scratch and don't have to worry about contamination?

 

[frank8003]

I'm going to be putting my brake system back together with basically all new parts. I'm seriously considering going with DOT3/4 fluid just because it's easy to get anywhere and I don't mind flushing it every couple of years. Is there any reason to stick with DOT5 if you're basically starting from scratch and don't have to worry about contamination?

"Is there any reason to stick with DOT5 " No, but why DOT4?

DOT 4 absorbs moisture faster than DOT 3

https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/dot-3-vs-dot-4-brake-fluid

One last thing to know when discussing brake fluid is federal standards for brake fluid only dictate boiling points, not fluid composition, so there is no “standard” brake fluid formula.

What is the Difference Between DOT3, DOT4 and DOT5 Brake Fluid? – Quicksilver Q Crew

goqcrew.com

DOT 3 and DOT 4 Brake Fluid: What's the Difference? - AMSOIL Blog

The real difference between DOT 3 and DOT 4 are their boiling points, which are narrowed to dry and wet boiling points. Do you know the difference?

blog.amsoil.com

Brake Fluid Types Explained ✔️ Difference between DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid?

➤ Similar to engine oil, there are many brake fluid types. Some for daily driver cars, some for the Dodge Hellcat. Knowing what brake fluid to use in your ride is an important part of vehicle ownership! Come along for the ride as we discuss this vital fluid...

scanneranswers.com

 

[yolner]

Thanks. I didn't even think of DOT5.1. Going to do a little more reading on this topic.

 

[TechnoWeenie]

DOT3 if you're going to be using it infrequently and are going to change/flush it every year.
DOT5 if it's a daily driver or you want less maintenance.

Just IMO.. I intend on keeping it DOT5.... It usually runs around $60-70/gallon.. I got 6, 11ish oz bottles for ~$35 on Amazon not that long ago...

 

[98G]

I can think of no compelling reason not to use DOT5, and plenty of reasons to use it.

 

[juanprado]

Dot 5 is sold at any "real" name brand Auto parts like O'reilly , Autozone, Napa etc

 

[TechnoWeenie]

I can think of no compelling reason not to use DOT5, and plenty of reasons to use it.

Older systems not designed for it can cause issues re: rubber seals/lines...

DOT5 is hydrophobic, meaning it doesn't absorb water. So, any water, condensation, etc that makes it into the braking system, has no way out, and will generally pool at the lowest point.

DOT3 is hydroscopic, and will absorb water, which is one of the reasons it has to be changed more frequently.

DOT5 can be a little harder to bleed, as its higher viscosity means air bubbles are a little slower in moving...

There are pluses and minus to both... DOT3 can also give you a slightly firmer pedal...

 

[TechnoWeenie]

Here's what I got....

Not available right now, but will probably be back in stock soon...

Amazon.com

 

[V8srfun]

The debate will never end on this subject but in summary as long as you properly maintain your truck both will work just fine. Just pick one and stick to it.

 

[Larry Weibert]

I used to buy the DOT 5 from this sight it was the best price around. It no longer works does anyone know what happed to this vendor iris industries.