Dot 5 brake fluid quick answer needed
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 326
Likes: 103
From: phila
so what if ya had all new lines and masters and used 5.1 instead of 5... any long term effects from switching
cause i think i used 5.1 when i redid my braking system during the winter
she stops great and all the res,s look good and no jelly junk as said
i seen this post and went to the garage to check the bike....and what fluid i had on the shelf when i did it ... and im like ahhh crap
cause i think i used 5.1 when i redid my braking system during the winter
she stops great and all the res,s look good and no jelly junk as said
i seen this post and went to the garage to check the bike....and what fluid i had on the shelf when i did it ... and im like ahhh crap
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
If that's what you have in there and it was clean when you put it in, then you are OK. You won't have the extreme water resistance that the DoT5 has, so just be sure to flush it out more regularly and never put DoT5 in it.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 430
Likes: 129
From: Harley ville
Dr.Hess so it will not mix correctly. it will absorb water and most likely will be a jelly when you remove the cap. the feel of the brake will still feel okay. But the fluid condition will be a mess.
I have over 30 years of hands on experience. so I just corrected one just as you are speaking. it was a mess. but cleaned up fine. best change it asap. it will only be fluid. not all new parts.
I have over 30 years of hands on experience. so I just corrected one just as you are speaking. it was a mess. but cleaned up fine. best change it asap. it will only be fluid. not all new parts.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
Rob put new lines and MC parts on. I might have missed if he flushed out the caliper, but that might be the only thing left from the old system. If that had any 5 in it, then, yeah, problem. If it was clean, then no problem. At this point, he can flush the whole system and go with whatever he wants, and if flushed properly, going to 5.1 won't hurt anything if properly maintained. I still prefer 5 over 5.1, 3 or 4 for my bikes and automotive clutch systems.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3,851
Likes: 3,401
From: Arizona
The Aussies make a Dot 6 but it looks kinda expensive IMO.
https://kcklubricants.com/lubricants.../10-re79-dot-6
http://liquidintelligence.com.au/pro...ke-fluid-dot-6
https://kcklubricants.com/lubricants.../10-re79-dot-6
http://liquidintelligence.com.au/pro...ke-fluid-dot-6
Because I can't remember things and have a few rides I've always made sure the cap on the reservoir matches the fluid inside. Fluid color can be deceiving. You can find them on eBay cheap.
I keep an inventory of fluids. 5.1 is expensive. I just use 4 and 5. Once I break the seal on on any bottle I mark the date on container.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 326
Likes: 103
From: phila
Rob put new lines and MC parts on. I might have missed if he flushed out the caliper, but that might be the only thing left from the old system. If that had any 5 in it, then, yeah, problem. If it was clean, then no problem. At this point, he can flush the whole system and go with whatever he wants, and if flushed properly, going to 5.1 won't hurt anything if properly maintained. I still prefer 5 over 5.1, 3 or 4 for my bikes and automotive clutch systems.
i flushed the whole system front and rear from the calipers so that would be the first thing out of the system
i checked both masters after work today... no gel or gooey junk just clean fluid
i went through like 3/4 of a pint ...at this point ill keep a eye on the masters but everything looked really clean when i checked today
adding 5.1 to 5 i can see it being a issue, but running almost a pint through the system flush wise no way theres 5 left
Last edited by robwlf10; Apr 26, 2021 at 04:44 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 172
Likes: 44
From: Aarau
Aloha,
please be aware that you never will flush out the whole DOT5 cause it's an silicon based fluid.
You have to disassemble and clean each single part.
I have to repair such a case for a friend and the fluid moved to a jelly-like mass when both fluids react together.
By the way the sealings for DOT5 are not long term resistant for DOT 5.1
please be aware that you never will flush out the whole DOT5 cause it's an silicon based fluid.
You have to disassemble and clean each single part.
I have to repair such a case for a friend and the fluid moved to a jelly-like mass when both fluids react together.
By the way the sealings for DOT5 are not long term resistant for DOT 5.1
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 326
Likes: 103
From: phila
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 326
Likes: 103
From: phila
had to drive to the dealer today to get dot 5 no one around me carries it
12 bucks a pop, i got 2 just to make sure i flush the hell out of it after i do the denatured
guess ill need a speed bleeder also
12 bucks a pop, i got 2 just to make sure i flush the hell out of it after i do the denatured
guess ill need a speed bleeder also
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3,851
Likes: 3,401
From: Arizona
I've never mixed fluids but I would pull the calipers and squeeze them down as well. Hopefully that would help move things around. I would flush the **** out of it.