Good Brake Fluid

[Deltona_Dave]

Any recommendations for a DOT 3 brake fluid? Have my Titan at the Dealer and they noticed that the brake fluid was pretty dark and spent. I already have new pads (Akebono) for front and rear, and have a vacuum bleeder to flush the lines.

Just looking for a good quality fluid that will see some towing. I do have an Amsoil Dealer account.. Any thoughts on Amsoil brake fluid?

It's a 2005 Nissan Titan, ABS, sees 20K a year, moderate towing a 5K trailer once or twice a month. The trailer has electric brakes.


Thanks,
Dave

 

[rshunter]

I swear by Ate SL.6, but that's aiming rather higher than your specs.

 

[qdeezie]

Prestone Brake Fluid - Cheap and Synthetic.

 

[beast3300]

All brake fluid is synthetic. Cheapest DOT 3 will work great.

 

[Deltona_Dave]

I have a bottle of Prestone Fluid for top offs. I probably should just buy a few bottles of that. Seems to be good stuff.

It's not like I track it on weekends. Although I do run the 1/4 on test and tune every once in a while. 14.9 at 91.3 not bad for a 6000 lb pickup truck

I just don't want to use SuperTech (oil and filters are good, not sure about other products) or off-brand stuff.

Dave

 

[eljefino]

I use ST DOT3 all the time. WM is not going to get sued over junk brake fluid.

I've been getting the Wearever stuff from Advance auto too, they often have it cheaper than WM and the coupons make it even more worthwhile. As long as it isn't opened it's good for a long time. Even in a closed opened jug (make sense?) you have at least a year and maybe more. If it's clear and what's in your MC is not... there you go!

Although you could also time it so one quart jug does both your cars, it should be enough. Stuff is much cheaper by the qt. Your Altima is due; 2 years is the equivialent of the 3000 mile oil change spec. Mercedes used to reccomend every spring.

 

[UncleS2]

Any DOT 3 will be fine, pick your brand, don't worry, & remember that more $$ doesn't guarantee better fluid. When I did a siphon & refill on the Dakota's master cyl, I refilled with WM Supertech DOT 3.

 

[Familyguy]

I spend a little more for ATE Super Blue (DOT4). That way, when I bleed the brakes, I'm sure when I've gotten all the old stuff out on each corner. Next time around, I use the gold version.

 

[Drew2000]

The Motorcraft High Performance brake fluid is suppoed to be very good, with a higher boiling point than many DOT3 brands, and not terribly expensive.



http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/PM1C/Motorcraft-High-Performance-Brake-Fluid

 

[Ken2]

There is a difference in brake fluids. Some exceed the wet boiling point (4% water) minimum standards more than others. I'd never buy a cheapo brand...I want more than the minimum. The Ford Motorcraft fluid has a very high dry boiling point and low cost so is highly regarded by amateur racers who change their fluid often; wet boiling point is nothing special.

Castrol LMA and Valvoline DOT3 brake fluids are well regarded for their higher than minimum wet boiling points. DOT4 fluids have an even higher wet boiling point (and DOT4+ & DOT5.1 have even higher) but use different chemical compositions that may react poorly with the elastomers in a small number of vehicles designed for DOT3. Of course, DOT5 brake fluid is silicone and must never be used in a system designed for DOT3 or DOT4 fluids.

 

[VWguy]

I'd have to agree with all the previous posts. Brake fluid must be boring as nobody talks much about it like motor oils, atfs, gear oils, etc. Sure there are different wet/dry specs, but I think as long as one chooses a quality Dot 3 or 4 that fits they vehicle specs, what might be more important is the service interval of the chosen brake fluid. Personally I am using Texaco's Dot 3 fluid in my daily driven VW's and flush it out every 1-2 years.
I recall, but can not locate, a printout of a brake fluid from Raybestos brake fluid, with some impressive specs. Anybody seen this on a shelf at a store, used it, or seen the flier/data sheet.
And I have noticed at various locations brake fluid containers marked as Heavy Duty and Super Heavy Duty, in addition to the "reguler" fluids. Hmmmmmmm!

 

[Deltona_Dave]

I ended up buying a few quarts of Valvoline DOT 3&4. On sale at AAP this week. I decided to buy extra, as I will flush the lines on the Altima too.

Dave