Brake fluid for 1990 Mustang

[Striker]

Pretty sure that the brake fluid is original so its definitely time for a change. The car is all original and it spends the winters sitting around. No track time, no road courses, etc etc.


I'm wondering what would be a good fluid I can put in there and be safe for a long time. Replacing the brake hoses with stainless flex lines as well.

 

[eljefino]

Don't over think it, DOT3 from walmart is fine. As you stated and suspect the other improvements in your brake system will be through refreshed hard parts. Bang out the drums and check that stuff isn't frozen back there, adjusting correctly, etc.

 

[DemoFly]

I'd put a synthetic DOT 3 in there.

Stay away from DOT 4 as it absorbs water pretty fast.

 

[stchman]

Walmart sells 32oz bottles of Valvoline Synthetic DOT 4 brake fluid for <$7. Good deal.

 

[Striker]

Isn't all DOT3 brake fluid synthetic?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Castrol LMA DOT 4.

 

[bdcardinal]

All DOT 3/4/4LV/5.1 is synthetic.

 

[DemoFly]

Originally Posted By: Striker
Isn't all DOT3 brake fluid synthetic?


All brake fluids are synthetic. But synthetic badged brake fluids usually have more additives. I've used some cheap DOT 3s in my day that went bad in less than 2 years.

http://www.mossmotors.com/SiteGraphics/Pages/brake_fluid/page1.html

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: stchman
Walmart sells 32oz bottles of Valvoline Synthetic DOT 4 brake fluid for div>


That's the only kind I ever see besides house/generic brands.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
Castrol LMA DOT 4.


^^^THIS, IF you can find it on the shelves, will probably last the longest of any of the non boutique/high end fluids out there (and maybe even longer than those racing fluids) due to it taking on moisture slower than others.

Again IF you can find it, it is usually priced either the same, or only a couple of bucks more per quart than the Sino Mart available brands.

If you wanted to 'splurge' a little, then the Ate Typ 200 (in a liter can) is also a great fluid, for about twice the price of the Wally World Valvoline quarts.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Napa also has Pentosin brake fluid, and some AAP stores are starting to carry it as well.

 

[Striker]

This the stuff here fellas?

http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index....tjf4/R-I8615144

I can order some to my "home store" which is walking distance.

I don't even know the quantity lol. Gotta do some research.

 

[901Memphis]

I'd just get name brand DOT 3

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: Striker
This the stuff here fellas?

http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index....tjf4/R-I8615144

I can order some to my "home store" which is walking distance.

I don't even know the quantity lol. Gotta do some research.


Yes, that is the Castrol we are talking about, unless you want their SRF React for ~$80.00/liter! LOL

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: Striker
This the stuff here fellas?

http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index....tjf4/R-I8615144

I can order some to my "home store" which is walking distance.

I don't even know the quantity lol. Gotta do some research.

Usually you need one liter of fluid.

 

[mjoekingz28]

I think they used to talk on here about Motorcraft. So, check out your dealer!

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: mjoekingz28
I think they used to talk on here about Motorcraft. So, check out your dealer!


The Motorcraft was considered a 'bargain' race fluid, due to it's low cost (but still higher cost than the Castrol LMA), and high (for an on the shelf type fluid) DRY boiling point (500*F).

It's WET boiling point was/is actually not as good as the Castrol product, so it would not be as good a street/'long flush duration' fluid, and it may not be able to compete with the Castrol due to it's higher rate of moisture absorption.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Originally Posted By: dailydriver


The Motorcraft was considered a 'bargain' race fluid, due to it's low cost (but still higher cost than the Castrol LMA), and high (for an on the shelf type fluid) DRY boiling point (500*F).

It's WET boiling point was/is actually not as good as the Castrol product, so it would not be as good a street/'long flush duration' fluid, and it may not be able to compete with the Castrol due to it's higher rate of moisture absorption.


This is most likely not a problem, as Ford doesn't specify any brake fluid flush interval. With this in mind, the Motorcraft is probably designed to last a reasonably long time.

That said, I'd still rather use Castrol if the OP can get a hold of it.