Brake fluid

[little_dave]

I got my new Goodridge hose this morning and earlier on, fitted it, no probs, until I decided to put fresh brake fluid in, checked the manual and it states- DOT 5, of course the large bottle of Brake fluid I have is DOT 4. So goes down the town to get some, no joy whatsoever, my question is, is it particular to H-D's only or can it be got from other outlets? Dave

Truy Halfords if you have one near. They do strange stuff like DOT 5.5 whatever that is!!

[Hawkeye]

Just got mine from the small local car spares place the is open 7 days a week

[Chris L]

Think Im right in saying..Dot 5.1 aint the same as Dot 5 and you shouldnt mix the 2. If you are using DOT 5 stick with it, mind you it is bleeding expensive compared to the others. Also I believe the new model H-Ds are changing to Dot 4 tho dont quote me on that...

[chilly]

Be carefull Dave! be very carefull.

Make sure its Dot 5 and not Dot 5.1 , they DON'T mix.

Don't ask

Chilly

[Phil]

Yup Dot5 Dave & don`t mix them. The 06 HD`s are Dot4 except Sportsters.

[SJC69]

Dot 5 is silicon base fluid which will not readily strip paint and is not hydroscopic. {Doesn't absorb water}

Dot 5.1 and Dot 3, 4. Etc are all mineral based, will rot paint and are hydroscopic. One of the reasons that they recommend they be changed regularly, normally at least every 2 years.

Mineral based and silicon fluids don't mix, if you do you will have all your seals fail with disastrous results in a very short time.

The only way to change from one to the other is a complete flush cleaning every last drop out of the system and then replace all the rubber seals and components.

Dot 5 is not exclusive to H-D and is available elsewhere.
High performance mineral fluids (Dot 5.1) have a higher boiling point than Silicon based Dot 5, so all the boy racers want it.

Silicon brake fluids are also not as 'slippery' as mineral based ones and that is one reason why you can have trouble bleeding a dry system when charged.

H-D supposedly does not use Dot 5 silicon on the tourers due to problems when used in conjunction with the ABS brake systems fitted to some models.

[little_dave]

The wife went up to L/Derry with her brother and got fluid for me yesterday, trouble is the shopperson gave her Dot 5.1, no good, so I have to go up myself today and get it changed, still it's a nice day, so going to make a good run of it on the MZ. Thanks everyone for the help. Cheers Dave

[little_dave]

Went for a nice leisurely run, at least I got my money back, still no dot 5 though!

[S.T.Chapman]

it saves me from saying dont mix it