Is Boiled Brake Fluid Still Good? | FerrariChat

Is Boiled Brake Fluid Still Good?

Discussion in 'Tracking & Driver Education' started by jeffjp, Aug 30, 2021.

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  1. jeffjp

    jeffjp Rookie

    Nov 19, 2013
    24
    I had brake fluid flushed on my 360 before my last track day. Managed to boil the brake fluid in the last session. Question, if newly flushed brake fluid boils, is it still good or does it have to be flushed again?
    Thanks,
    Jeff
     
  2. JTSE30

    JTSE30 F1 Rookie

    Oct 1, 2004
    3,245
    Austin TX
    Flush it out, everytime it boils it becomes less useful (and will boil quicker each time)

    I recommend you using Motul 600 (DOT4) (not Motul 660), tip: sometimes you can find it at motorcycle shops easier than automotive

    whatever you use, make sure it is DOT4, do not use DOT3 as it does not have the performance characteristics track driving requires

    And when you flush, push out all the old, whatever the capacity is of your brake system, get about a half liter more and keep pushing it all the way through.

    also, if you have rubber brake lines leading up to the calipers, and if you do not know their age, replace them, and, if you can, use stainless (braided or not) lines, they will reduce the amount of moisture entering the fluid (if you replace the lines, do it before the flush)
     
    turbo-joe, Caeruleus11, Bas and 2 others like this.
  3. jeffjp

    jeffjp Rookie

    Nov 19, 2013
    24
    Thinking exactly along those lines. Have Stoptech SS brake lines waiting to install. Also, I going to try the Girodisk titanium backing plates when I switch to track pads. Thanks for your thoughtful and helpful response JT.
     
    JTSE30 likes this.
  4. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    26,367
    socal
    The only part that boils is close to caliper. That’s not a lot of volume. Bleed, add fluid, done. System flush on an interval that suits you.
     
  5. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 20, 2003
    16,614
    Pittsburgh, PA
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    Matt F
    Just bleed them.

    Matt
     
  6. mdrums

    mdrums Formula 3

    Jun 11, 2006
    2,220
    Tampa FL
    Bleed the brakes each corner starting farthest away from the master cylinder. Blead each caliper until you do not see bubbles. Since you boiled the fluid you will most likely end up doing a complete flush to really get all the air out.

    Brake fluid is cheap compared to not having brakes and wrecking your car and possibly another car and hurting people lives...FLUSH THE BRAKES.
     
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  7. NeuroBeaker

    NeuroBeaker Advising Moderator
    Moderator

    Oct 1, 2008
    38,793
    Huntsville, AL., USA
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    Andrew
    If someone offered you $100 to drive at 120mph down a straight and brake hard into turn 1 with a 70% chance your brakes would work, 60% chance a few laps later, 50% chance a few laps later, etc... would you do it?

    I'd replace the brake fluid if it was me. I've used Motul RBF-600 with good success on non-exotic cars that required DOT4.

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
    JTSE30 likes this.
  8. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    38,054
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    When did Ferrari change its recommendation against synthetic (DOT 4) brake fluid?
     
  9. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
    East Coast
    Why Motul 600 instead of 660?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  10. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Rookie
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    Jun 19, 2008
    4,853
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    Chris
    Motul 600 absorbs water less readily than 660, and therefore is a better choice for vehicles that are only occasionally used at the track. Provided you don't boil your brake fluid, you should get a year out of 600 fluid. 660 has a higher boiling point, but attracts and holds water more readily, and therefore needs more frequent changes.
     
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  11. Turbopanzer

    Turbopanzer F1 World Champ

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    Panzer
  12. mdrums

    mdrums Formula 3

    Jun 11, 2006
    2,220
    Tampa FL
    No these cars must use Dot 4
     
  13. Turbopanzer

    Turbopanzer F1 World Champ

    Oct 2, 2011
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    Panzer
    For what reason?
     
  14. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
    East Coast
    How do you know if the brake fluid boils? When the pedal mushes to the floor?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  15. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Rookie
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    Exactly that: pedal mushes to the floor and basically can't be "pumped back up" . It's not the only thing that can cause the pedal to "mush" -- overheated pads (brake fade) will cause the pedal to go to have longer travel and not slow the car.

    Most likely you'll experience pad overheating first, but you never know. with older / wetter fluid.
     
  16. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
    East Coast
    If pads overheat, can you simply let them cool down and give them a rest and keep using them as long as there is enough thickness left?

    Or if they overheat, is that it and then they need to be replaced?


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  17. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Rookie
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    Pads mostly will be okay post-overheating, but that's not a guarantee. It's always worth taking a look if you've overheated them, as they can be cracked or glazed. Glazed pads (and rotors, since there is usually some glazing on them) won't be effective stopping the car - basically the surface of the pad has become smooth, causing the pad to lose its "bite". You'll know a glazed pad pretty quickly, as the brakes just won't work very well.

    Glazed pads can be saved, but it's worth checking them & the rotors out before you ask much of the car on track or on the streets.
     
  18. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
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    Thank you very much. Your knowledge and contributions are very much appreciated!


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  19. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Rookie
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    My pleasure. Most important: have fun on the track!
     

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