Subaru brake fluid change

[bheinz57]

Hey guys, I'm getting ready to install my SS brake lines and new pads. I want to replace my brake fluid during that time. I have a MY02 Impreza with 28k on it. My shop manual states DOT 3 or DOT 4. Now, I want a good fluid, but do not want synthetic. I occasionally rallycross but that's it for hard/extended braking. Anyone try Super Blue? Any other good DOT 4's out there? Thanks. Brian

 

[Ed]

Actually all brake fluid is synthetic. There are a few exotic brands that are used by mostly european car buffs but they can be a pain to find when you want them and are unecessarily expensive.
I would use Castrol LMA or Valvoline Synpower. These are both premium DOT 4 fluids and are available every where.
The OEM Ford Fluid available at Ford dealerships is said to be a superior fluid. It is rated DOT 3 but has temperature ratings that excede some DOT 4 products. Dealer supplied genuine Subaru fluid might make you sleep better also.
Don't even think about using DOT 5 fluid. That is a very special purpose silicone fluid and not for general purpose use. Oddly enough DOT 5.1 fluid is ok to use but is quite expensive. Thats the exotic fluid that I referenced.
Ed

 

[seotaji]

ATE Super Blue fluid is good, but overkill.

Valvoline Synpower is a great choice.

 

[MGBV8]

The fluids mentioned are all good.

Probably the best is Castrol SRF DOT 4+ rated, very expensive used in F1 and maybe overkill.

DOT 5 is Silicone purple in colour and cannot be used with abs, and should not be used IMO in any performance application.

If you experoience any brake fade due to fluid then uprate to a higher temperature performace fluid. Motorsport means the fluid absorbs more water mostly via brake hoses so replace on a regular basis.