All, question about selecting dot 3/4 for the clutch fluid.
I know that this has been talked about a lot, but I have a slightly different question:
Is there any brand of dot 3 or dot 4 to not put into the clutch fluid reservoir? Anything that you've had bad luck with?

That said, what is the brand/type that you like best?

 

I put standard DOT4 from Autozone in mine. DOT3 would even be fine. The stress on the fluid when used in the clutch master cylinder is going to be much less than in brake lines since it doesn't heat up nearly as much and won't experience pressure anywhere near what it does in brake lines. And brake fluid is one of the few fluids that has to meet strict DOT regulations (thus the DOT standard - Department of Transportation) which means it's relatively standard across the board. Unlike oils, there aren't a variety of additives or some sort of magic sauce that each manufacturer uses. They manufacture it to strict standards set by DOT and call it a day. The only difference is the DOT number which simply indicates boiling point and in the case of DOT5 and DOT5.1, whether it's glycol ester based or silicone based. BTW, if you decide to use one of those, don't use DOT 5. It's silicone based and not compatible with our cars. Use DOT3, 4 or 5.1. DOT 4 is the best bang for the buck IMO. Pretty high quality and high boiling point but much less expensive than DOT5.1 and only marginally more than DOT3. DOT5.1 is really only needed for high performance sports/exotic cars or race applications.

 

Thanks for the info. This answers my question(s). Will pick up some no-frills dot 4.

 

The only thing I might add is DOT 4 is more pure than DOT 3, and as a result it is more aggressive at collecting moisture; the general rule of thumb is if a car uses DOT 4, flush the system every two years, if it uses DOT 3, flush it every three years.

 

Wow! Great info. thanks so much. Maybe put this information in a sticky.
Maybe i'll get the no-frills dot3 and save the dot4 for my m3. ;-)

 

Will DOT 5.1 work for the clutch as well? I know that we are able to use DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 for our brakes.
I happen to have some Motul DOT 5.1 and need to replace the CMC.

 

Yes, but why?

 

MASSIVE clutch system temperatures, bruv

 

Wow, guess I've been skooled.

 

Lol was just curious. I had some left over from changing my brake fluid. Figured why not if I have it and like Brolando said for them MASSIVE clutch temps XD

 

Yeah, I mean, if the container has been opened, the fluid is just decaying on a shelf anyway.

 

Oh no they are unopened. Extra bottles.

 

Oh...then its a waste. I would just pick up some DOT3 at the store and save the high temp stuff for brakes.

Then again...for street car brakes, that fluid is just as wasted as it would be by putting it into the clutch MC.