Forgive me if i missed the answer in another thread, but after searching the archives with numerous parameters, i am now more confused than ever. i am in the process of a doing a brake job, and replacing the front lines. after reading all of the threads, my question is if i am not sure of what is in the resivoir (DOT 3,4 or 5) what should i use to flush and replace it with....AND is there a danger (compatability issue) if the PO had used a silicone based DOT 5, and i replace with DOT 3 or 4. AND which is best of the two, considering i dont track the car or do stuff other than just drive it????? is using a pressure bleeder going to be OK, and is there any "special" procedure i need to be aware of ? should i disassemble the calipers and do any special PM at this time as well? if so, where can i get details? drawing, pictures, etc.?
Silicone brake fluid is usually purple. If you have any uncertainty about what you have, suck some out of the res. with a turkey baster and empty into a small container (preferably clear) and add some dot 4 brake fluid, if it stays seperate like oil and water you prob. have silicone brake fluid in the car. Non silicone (Glycol based) brake fluid is preferable in every way and if your car has that installed now stay with it. DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT5.1 brake fluid are compatible, but DOT 5 is not to be mixed with anything else. For your car I recommend a very high quality DOT 4 OF DOT 5.1. I use Motul RBF 600 in my shop.
