Brake fluid recommendations
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Rep'n Taxbrain.com
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: N. Cali-forn-i-a
Brake fluid recommendations
What brake fluid would you guys recommend?
Should I go with the standard Honda fluid or some aftermarket synthetic brake fluid?
My next mod is a brake upgrade. I already have RacingBrake front rotors, and Hawk HPS pads for the front and rear. I found a certified Honda tech that will install the rotors, pads, change the brake fluid, bleed, and break in the pads for $150. What do you guys think of that price?
Should I go with the standard Honda fluid or some aftermarket synthetic brake fluid?
My next mod is a brake upgrade. I already have RacingBrake front rotors, and Hawk HPS pads for the front and rear. I found a certified Honda tech that will install the rotors, pads, change the brake fluid, bleed, and break in the pads for $150. What do you guys think of that price?
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Rep'n Taxbrain.com
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 7,075
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From: N. Cali-forn-i-a
I found some great info here (Found this link from a post by JTso):
http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...fluid_1a.shtml
I was about to change to a DOT4 synthetic until I read that. Does anyone have any good recommendations for a DOT3 Synthetic?
http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...fluid_1a.shtml
As a trailing note on the DOT ratings, if your car was designed for a particular type of fluid (especially prior to the development of DOT 4 fluids), you should make every attempt to stick with that fluid! For example, if your car was delivered with DOT 3 fluid, the internal components of the system (seals, brake hoses, and fittings for example) were specifically designed and tested for compatibility with DOT 3. Because DOT 4 fluids contain a different chemical composition, the system may not necessarily react in a positive fashion to the borate esters floating around in the mix.
In other cases, just the difference in viscosity of the two different fluids may cause the seals to wear at different rates. What starts as an annoying squeak might eventually become a torn seal or worse. The examples could go on and on, but the message here is this: it’s fine to upgrade from DOT 3 fluid A to DOT 3 fluid B, but you should think twice (maybe even three times) before switching from DOT 3 fluid A to DOT 4 fluid of any sort.
In other cases, just the difference in viscosity of the two different fluids may cause the seals to wear at different rates. What starts as an annoying squeak might eventually become a torn seal or worse. The examples could go on and on, but the message here is this: it’s fine to upgrade from DOT 3 fluid A to DOT 3 fluid B, but you should think twice (maybe even three times) before switching from DOT 3 fluid A to DOT 4 fluid of any sort.
Synaesthesia sounds sweet
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,118
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From: Gainesville
I'm using Valvoline's synthetic brake fluid. I don't have any complaints as of yet but only 12k miles on it. There are a few other ppl on AZ who are using it. Maybe others have had it in for longer?
http://www.valvoline.com/pages/produ...asp?product=51
http://www.valvoline.com/pages/produ...asp?product=51
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Rep'n Taxbrain.com
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: N. Cali-forn-i-a
^^ Cool. That's the stuff I'm considering. I'm either gonna go with that or the normal Honda Heavy Duty Fluid DOT 3.
It's interesting when you read the manual it says:
Makes me wonder if they are just saying that because they only want us buying the Honda stuff, or if there is actually some truth to it. I'm leaning towards the honda stuff to be safe right now, but part of me wants the synthetic because I think it will last longer. Comments?
It's interesting when you read the manual it says:
Originally Posted by TSX Owners Manual
"Always use Honda Heavy Duty Fluid 3. If it is not available, you should use on DOT 3 or DOT4 fluid, from a sealed container, as a temporary replacment. However, the use of any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and descrease the life of the system. Have the brake system flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy Dute Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible"
She said: it's GINORMOUS!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,913
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From: NYC
Honda OEM. it's never let me down. rather then mess with the others, i just change the brake fluid more frequently (like every 1.5 - 2 years or whenever i bleed the brakes from a autox/track session).
$150 for all that work sounds like a good deal, i'd of billed you $250
...haha. just remember all that is easy stuff if you have airtools or cordless impact driver. 
$150 for all that work sounds like a good deal, i'd of billed you $250
...haha. just remember all that is easy stuff if you have airtools or cordless impact driver.
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