What is the "best" brake fluid?

[AZrunr]

I have a 98' 4WD 4Runner with ABS. I am living in Alaska where it gets to -60 in the winter, and up to 90 degrees in the summer. I am looking for the best performing brake fluid for the extremes I live in. Thanks in advance...

AZrunr

 

[Koz]

Ferodo DOT 5.1 is a 100% synthetic brake fluid that is compatible with DOT 3/4 fluids and ABS brakes. It provides extreme temp protection 500 degree heat and -67 degrees cold.

http://www.ferodo.co.uk/ferodo_home/car.html#brake

Koz

 

[BCsOTM]

Take a look at the specs for ATE super blue or ATE super yellow. These are the same except for the color. Color change is handy when doing a complete flush. You can see when the flush is complete.

Butch

 

[liquidvw]

Dot 5 does not mix with dot 3 or 4. Mixing DOT 5 with your existing break fluid will = bad results. In order to use DOT 5, you must have all of the existing DOT 3 removed.

I think it would be more important for you to consider changing your break fluid on a regular basis rather that what type to use as old break fluid will absorb water which in your case can freeze.

 

[Mashimaru]

Koz,wouldn't the ABS components need to be flushed, or cleaned? Your the car tech here so i can learn some info from you haha. i was taking a look at the link you provided, and Ferodo is a good brand product

 

[Koz]

The Ferodo Dot 5.1 is 100% synthetic, NOT silicone based and is specially designed and compatible to use in DOT 3/4 applications. It also will work even better then DOT 3/4 with ABS because, being synthetic, it allows an easier fluid circulation in micro-valves of anti-locking systems.

I'm just an 60/70s gear head!

Koz

 

[centralparunner]

ATE super blue or ATE super yellow. The blue will tend to stain your reservoir over time, but yes you can see quickly when you have completed the change. Have used for years on the track and road.

 

[ObeseFieldMouse]

if you change from the factory dot4 to a synthetic (dot5 or dot5.1) everything rubber in the hydraulic system, including the abs system needs to be replaced. This includes flex lines from the calipers and o-rings everywhere else, including that incredibly expensive integrated master cylinder

 

[hossmaster]

dot 3 that has a seal on the top

 

[Koz]

if you change from the factory dot4 to a synthetic (dot5 or dot5.1) everything rubber in the hydraulic system, including the abs system needs to be replaced. This includes flex lines from the calipers and o-rings everywhere else, including that incredibly expensive integrated master cylinder

There is a difference between DOT 5 and DOT 5.1. The DOT 5 is silicone based and you will have issues. The DOT 5.1 is synthetic and is completely safe to use in a DOT 3/4 system, with ABS.

Koz