Fave brake fluid?

[Tremo]

OK, what's everyone's favorite brake fluid for GM Detroit iron? I do NOT have ABS. A lot of guys over on the Thirdgen board like the Synpower DOT 3/4 stuff. What say the experts here?

 

[jthorner]

I used Castrol LMA for years, but it is now getting harder to find in our area.

The SynPower Dot 4 fluid seems like a good step up from generic Dot 3 fluids and is relatively cheap and easy to find. I buy it at our nearest AutoZone for $4.99/quart.

John

 

[sbc350gearhead]

I like synpower or Ate for street vehicles.

 

[ediamiam]

Another vote for Castrol LMA - I can still find it at Pepboys @ 4.99 qt. I like using it in my 67 Porsche. But also will use it on my daily drivers.

 

[MHC]

Castrol LMA. Bought a quart at Bennett Auto Parts this past weekend for $2.58.

 

[labman]

I have used nothing except Prestone DOT 4 since the 60's. I am not even sure DOT 4 was defined then, but I was using what they called disk brake fluid. I never change my brake fluid and never have seen a problem due to brake fluid. In fact, I have seldom seen any brake problems at all despite keeping 3 cars over 10 years, and and my truck more like 30.

I have had problems with the hydraulic clutch in my truck. Changing to the LMA wasn't a bit of help.

 

[VaderSS]

I like Synpower and feel it is the best easily available brake fluid.

A list of brake fluids and their specs is located here;
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=16;t=000924

 

[baomo]

i use valvoline synpower in my VW.

 

[Tremo]

Kewl. Synpower it is. I just bought 2 quarts at AZ, hope it's enough for a full flush in the old Camaro.

 

[cumminspuller]

Just a note about the Synpower......I wanted to flush my old brake fluid and get some new blood in the system. I to chose synpower. After installing it on my 99' Dodge 3500 the hydro-boost unit (I think that is what it is called) started leakiing and had to rebuild it. After the rebuild I still added the synpower and no troubles. I had 220k miles on the Dodge when I changed it. The other day my wifes 92' Accord Ex was low on fluid. So I just grabbed what I had and it happened to be the Synpower. The next day I went and drove the car....guess what happened? Pedal now slowly sinks all the way to the floor. You can still pump stop but you have to be careful. The master cylinder seals are leaking internally. So I would say to all wanting to use the synpower, I think the seals, gaskets and o-rings become old and brittle over time and the addition of synthetic it just starts leaking past them. If my conclusion is incorrect, please let me know. I am curious as to why myself.

Just my $.02

Jason

[ July 04, 2004, 12:09 AM: Message edited by: cumminspuller ]

 

[ediamiam]

that is good info to know about the potential for leakage on that synpower. i was thinking about trying that out, instead of continuing usage of castro lma. i think i will now stick with what works.

 

[labman]

I really doubt the leakage could be blamed on the Synpower. If the fluid had dropped any more than the normal due to pad wear, you have a leak somewhere. Nothing lasts forever. Rubber, no matter how much stabilizer you put in it, still kills itself. Add heat, rubbing on metal, dirt, etc. and eventually you need to replace it. I expect you would have had the same problems if you used my old friend Prestone, LMA, cheap stuff from Big Lots, etc. Better find the problem and fix it. If brake fluid gets on linings, there is no removing it, you must replace it. I have seen many new sets of pads ruined because the calipers weren't rebuilt.

If the fluid is down a little due to pad wear, you are better off leaving the cap on the reservoir. It is far too easy to create more problems by failing to leave well enough alone. Just keep a careful eye in things.

 

[Bryan_1NZ-FE_Mobil 1]

I use Shell Dot 3 brake fluid as it's the spec required in the user manual... plus, it's rubber friendly!

 

[darrenc]

ATE super blue