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Post by oldmopars on Apr 15, 2013 20:04:53 GMT -5
Is it ok to use DOT 5 brake fluid in scooters? I have a MC-54-250B, but that should not matter. The master says DOT 3 or 4, but I know synthetic is better and want my scoot to last.
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Post by JR on Apr 15, 2013 21:26:26 GMT -5
I'll give you one good bit of advice as a two owner 250B scooter person. I just put a new back brake caliper on and decided to use synthetic this time. Never again. The bleeding process with synthetic is painful. The tiniest bubble will make the brake spongy. The normal easy process of bleeding good old DOT 3 or 4 doesn't apply. Also by others statements even when you get the brake properly bled the brake will be softer and not what you're used too. Good quality DOT3 fluid will last as long as you own the scooter.
I just did this last week so if you do it good luck.
JR
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Post by skuttadawg on Apr 15, 2013 21:44:32 GMT -5
Diff types do not mix . I use type 4 in mine
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Post by oldmopars on Apr 15, 2013 21:56:47 GMT -5
Oh, good to know. I had planned to completely flush and refill with DOT 5, but I will just get good quality DOT4.
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Post by rockynv on Apr 15, 2013 22:33:18 GMT -5
DOT5 absorbs air and is intended for limited use vehicles such as antiques that are not run at high speeds and require a lot of stopping power. It becomes higly corrosive if even the smallest drop of water gets into it and is not intended for vehicles with any form of ABS or brake modulation.
Regardless of what brake fluid you choose it should be completely flushed out and replaced every two years.
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Post by skuttadawg on Apr 15, 2013 22:35:07 GMT -5
Unsure of the exact diffs but I worked on a truck and it had goop like a solid paste in the master cylinder when I checked the fluid level . I showed the customer and was easy to pick it out as it was a single clump . A good idea to replace who knows what quality of brake fluid it came in it with a trusted brand . Both of my scooters say use DOT 4
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Post by rockynv on Apr 15, 2013 23:00:59 GMT -5
Unsure of the exact diffs but I worked on a truck and it had goop like a solid paste in the master cylinder when I checked the fluid level . I showed the customer and was easy to pick it out as it was a single clump . A good idea to replace who knows what quality of brake fluid it came in it with a trusted brand . Both of my scooters say use DOT 4 Yep, there is no such thing as lifetime brake fluid and it needs to be cleaned out regularly well before any problems begin. Most major brake work is done prematurely due to skimping on the two year brake fluid flush and changes. |
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Post by Moat on Apr 15, 2013 23:33:23 GMT -5
Like JR said above, a somewhat mushy feel will be the result of using DOT 5 (Silicone) brake fluid. Also DOT 5 doesn't lubricate internal seals and pistons as well as DOT3/4/5.1, so things end up feeling sorta "sticky", too. So DOT 5 = mushy and sticky. Blech. If you're doing any high-speed downhill twisty mountain road racing, and your brake fluid is boiling away to a mushy lever... try some DOT 5.1.  |
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Post by JR on Apr 16, 2013 1:59:53 GMT -5
years ago I used some DOT 5 in my Corvette. I used it because the brake calipers would develop pinholes, a design flaw from Chevrolet. I had to replace to of the calipers with new stainless steel ones. This was back in the 70's, all the corvette specialty magazines were saying to go to the DOT 5 to prevent the pinholes from forming. Anyway I noticed my pedal was indeed softer and bleeding the brakes was a pain.
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Post by DaveC on Apr 16, 2013 9:26:47 GMT -5
My philosophy is stay with what ya know.
Dot 4 has been good to me.
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Post by Jarlaxle on Apr 16, 2013 13:56:53 GMT -5
Dot5 is fine...the military has used it for 30+ years!
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Post by prodigit on Apr 16, 2013 20:31:39 GMT -5
I'm still using the stock china oil, can't complain.
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Post by oldmopars on Apr 16, 2013 21:46:07 GMT -5
Well, thanks for the input. I will just get good quality DOT 4 and change it annually.
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Post by rockynv on Apr 16, 2013 22:57:44 GMT -5
Dot5 is fine...the military has used it for 30+ years! Yes they have used it for its intended purpose in limited use vehicles with brake systems specifically designed for it. The specs show that it is not considered appropriate for all vehicles especially those with any form of ABS. Best practice is to use the specified fluid listed in the owners manual and flush it out at least every two years. |
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