toyota brake fluid

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Originally Posted By: crinkles
why does toyota still specify DOT3? can i use a multi fluid like Dot3/4 in my 05 camry?


You can use 4 if you wish.
 
Originally Posted By: S2500Dog
You can use whatever the [censored] you like. If you want to be a cheap [censored] then go ahead and use DOT 3 or DOT 4 because the Toyota Camry will take either one.


who are you to speak to someone like this? The OP posted a simple question, a valid one. Also, the OP did not post any brand of fluid so how can you deem that cheap? How about you mail the OP the best fluid you can afford since your so rich to call others cheap [censored].
 
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Originally Posted By: defektes
Originally Posted By: crinkles
why does toyota still specify DOT3? can i use a multi fluid like Dot3/4 in my 05 camry?


You can use 4 if you wish.


thanks mate
 
Originally Posted By: S2500Dog
You can use whatever the [censored] you like. If you want to be a cheap [censored] then go ahead and use DOT 3 or DOT 4 because the Toyota Camry will take either one.


This isn't the web site for you. There are other sites that you can use sarcasm and foul language. NOT HERE!
 
Originally Posted By: S2500Dog
You can use whatever the [censored] you like. If you want to be a cheap [censored] then go ahead and use DOT 3 or DOT 4 because the Toyota Camry will take either one.


Why are you acting like the south end of a north bound mule? What gives you the right to respond this way the the OPs question?

If you're going to act like this, go somewhere else.
 
DOT 3/4 fluid should be Ok, but I would not use DOT 4 due the possibility ABS problem during winter.
It is best to use DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
 
I would stick with DOT 3. Toyota is not the only automaker that does this. I've looked at some GM and Ford owners manuals and they specifically leave out DOT 4.

I guess I should add that I've heard that DOT 3 can hold water better. That and manufacturers don't require a brake flush at any point in the car's service life. So if you do a brake flush regularly, you should be fine with either.
 
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Originally Posted By: prax
I would stick with DOT 3. Toyota is not the only automaker that does this. I've looked at some GM and Ford owners manuals and they specifically leave out DOT 4.

I think they do not mention DOT4 because the OE brands (Delco "Supreme 11" and Motorcraft "High Performance") are DOT3. They don't want to spend the extra money on DOT4 for their OE brands.

It should be completely OK to use DOT3 or DOT4, or even (gasp!) a mix.
 
Whoa. Do not use DOT 5.1. If you need to use something, yes DOT 4 will be fine.

You might not even be able to find a DOT 3 fluid that's not labeled 3/4.

They're basically the same fluid to different boiling point specs.
 
There are minor chemical differences between DOT3, DOT4, and DOT4+/5.1 that provide the the improved wet boiling point in each.

There is a slim chance that the rubber-like products in your brake system will not like the chemicals in DOT4, etc. I have upgraded my Toyota Tundra to DOT4+ with good results.

DOT sets the performance specs for brake fluid, not the chemical composition. DOT5.1 has performance equal to silicone DOT5 but is made with a very similar chemical composition to DOT3 & 4...they are all polyglycol ether compounds. DOT4+ and DOT5.1 are about the same...higher wet boiling point than DOT3 or 4.

I'm not sure that DOT4 or 5.1 actually does have any drawbacks except that possible chemical incompatibility. I have not found an authoritative source about their ability to hold more or less moisture than DOT3.

DOT5 silicone brake fluid is the product to avoid unless the brake system is designed for it.
 
Some DOT 4 becomes too thick to go through the ABS system in the winter, something like you put straight 40-weight oil to your engine during winter.

It may be true that DOT 3 lasts longer compared to DOT 4/DOT 5.1, but if you regularly flush the system, noone will have issue with water contamination.
 
I have used dual rated DOT 3/4 fluids in a host of vehicles including Volvos, Hondas, Chevrolets, Fords and Hyundais and have never had any hydraulic system problems with them. Change the fluid once every two years or so and you are likely to rarely, if ever, have a master cylinder, caliper or wheel cylinder issue.
 
DOT FMVSS 116 5.1.3 viscosity specs:
DOT3: 1500 cSt max @ -40°C; 1.5 cSt min @ 100°C
DOT4: 1800 cSt max @ -40°C; 1.5 cSt min @ 100°C
DOT5.1: 900 cSt max @ -40°C; 1.5 cSt min @ 100°C

So...the cold viscosity spec difference between DOT3 and DOT4 isn't much difference. Also, it depends by how much the specific fluid exceeds the spec. For example, Shell Donax YB DOT4 brake fluid is typically 703 cSt @ -40°C which far exceeds the spec. Shell Donax B DOT3 fluid is typically 1030 cSt @ -40°C, which also exceeds the spec and is thicker than their DOT4!
http://www.epc.shell.com/Docs/GPCDOC_TDS_TDS_10B30.pdf
http://www.epc.shell.com/Docs/GPCDOC_X_cbe_24855_key_140002138591_2E3.pdf
http://www.alba.al/files/products/GPCDOC_X_cbe_24855_key_140002230031_125A(Donax ZB).pdf
 
Thanks for all the replies. check this out -

http://www.valvoline.com.au/files/productpdfs/61.pdf

Valvoline seems to strongly recommend using DOT3... i may add that my car does not have ABS as i have found out twice already.
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Originally Posted By: Ken2
DOT FMVSS 116 5.1.3 viscosity specs:
DOT3: 1500 cSt max @ -40°C; 1.5 cSt min @ 100°C
DOT4: 1800 cSt max @ -40°C; 1.5 cSt min @ 100°C
DOT5.1: 900 cSt max @ -40°C; 1.5 cSt min @ 100°C

So...the cold viscosity spec difference between DOT3 and DOT4 isn't much difference. Also, it depends by how much the specific fluid exceeds the spec. For example, Shell Donax YB DOT4 brake fluid is typically 703 cSt @ -40°C which far exceeds the spec. Shell Donax B DOT3 fluid is typically 1030 cSt @ -40°C, which also exceeds the spec and is thicker than their DOT4!
http://www.epc.shell.com/Docs/GPCDOC_TDS_TDS_10B30.pdf
http://www.epc.shell.com/Docs/GPCDOC_X_cbe_24855_key_140002138591_2E3.pdf
http://www.alba.al/files/products/GPCDOC_X_cbe_24855_key_140002230031_125A(Donax ZB).pdf


The Donax sample you mentioned is the new generation DOT 4 that is designed with low viscosity.
Here is the spec for Motul RBF 600 that is popular with boy racer and does not meet the spec on the low temp viscosity:
Motul RBF 600 PDF
 
kr,

Motul RBF 600 does meet the low temp viscosity. Their result is 1750 per your link. The specification limits this value to less than 1800.
 
Originally Posted By: benjamming
kr,

Motul RBF 600 does meet the low temp viscosity. Their result is 1750 per your link. The specification limits this value to less than 1800.

I meant it doesn't meet the spec to replace DOT 3
 
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