abs

So, doing some reading on the brake actuator and thinking about how to avoid replacement, or at least prolong it's life, if anyone has considered upgrading from the OEM DOT 3 brake fluid to either DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid? Both DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are more resistant to absorbing water and they both have a somewhat lower viscosity than the DOT 3 fluid. Also, both of these fluids can be used in conjunction with the DOT 3 fluid, so no issues in switching over and having some DOT 3 residue left over in the system.

Thoughts?

JLAWS

Regular DOT3 from a sealed bottle. I do a flush and fill with a 16oz bottle once a year. Any excess in the bottle after the fluids are leveled out in the reservoir gets tossed in a container I use to drain motor oil. I also bought a new reservoir brake fluid cap since the old one didn't feel like it sealed properly.

abs

I appreciate the feedback on this topic. Still trying to figure out why it wouldn't be advisable to shift to a "better" fluid such as DOT 4 or DOT 5.1? If one of the primary causes of actuator failure is due to deterioration of the fluid and one of the other varieties is far less likely to absorb water, why not simply use that instead?

roadfrog

This.

I did brake fluid changes every two years like clockwork. In 150K+ miles..never had a brake issue except rotors and pads. I will be doing the same with my SHO. I also do this with my wife's CT 200 without any brake issues. Same with my old 7 series BMW. Being hygroscopic, it only makes sense to flush out the fluid every two years, regardless of mileage.