MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: swf7y on January 22, 2011, 02:48:48 pm

Title: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: swf7y on January 22, 2011, 02:48:48 pm
I'm due to get some R20 stoppers on soon, front and rear so I thought I'd upgrade my brake fluid to DOT 5.1 at the same time. Just need to know which to go for and how much of the stuff I need.  :happy2:
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: neg on January 22, 2011, 05:42:47 pm
Castrol SRF is the dogs danglies - not cheap mind you

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-740-castrol-srf-racing-brake-fluid.aspx
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: bodger00 on January 22, 2011, 05:47:49 pm
Isn't there some sort of guidance to say that mixing DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 even in a tiny amount is a no no :confused:

I guess that if this is the case then it would need to be fully flushed through including the ABS pump with DOT 5.1.
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: Janner_Sy on January 22, 2011, 05:51:03 pm
the mixing dot 5.1 and dot 4 comes about when your topping up brake fluid.  If your doing a 100% fluid change then it'll be alright.

Ive used motul RBF600 and rate that as pretty good.  Alot cheaper than the castrol fluid as well.  Dot 5.12 doesnt automatically mean its better than a dot 4 by the way.  Alot of the 'super'dot 4 fluids are alot better.  Check the wet/dry boiling points of all the fluids before choosing.  the higher the better really
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: bodger00 on January 22, 2011, 05:55:16 pm
"Dot 5.12 doesnt automatically mean its better than a dot 4 by the way.  Alot of the 'super'dot 4 fluids are alot better."

Couldn't agree more :happy2:
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: xxx_mojo_xxx on January 22, 2011, 06:31:45 pm
Based on T_T's comments on other posts...the OEM brake fluid is more than up to the job!
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: tony_danza on January 22, 2011, 06:33:20 pm
It isn't, I've boiled it.

RBF600 FTW.
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: RedRobin on January 22, 2011, 06:46:41 pm
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FDetailing%2FStickers%2FPopcorn_smiley.jpg&hash=7ba2e43dc4d5610b69c9577f25972a8df225fcbf)

Hmm... Is this going to be the thread which brings back T_T and much 'debate'?  :evilgrin:
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: tony_danza on January 22, 2011, 06:58:02 pm
Nah, T_T's got a point, if you boil OEM stuff on the road then you're driving like a tool, so in that respect it's perfectly good for the job for most people.
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: Janner_Sy on January 22, 2011, 07:00:53 pm
i boiled my fluid as well on the track.  bloody scary.  never had an issue again once i swapped fluid to the RBF600

Based on T_T's comments on other posts...the OEM brake fluid is more than up to the job!

in that case.....

he also states that if you use non VAG fluids your ABS system will pretty much decompose.  theres no evidence of either though, just his claims
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: RedRobin on January 22, 2011, 07:02:13 pm
.
VWR do my brake fluid but I've no idea which one!

I know they use Fuchs for my engine oil services and the genuine VW oil for DSG.
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: tony_danza on January 22, 2011, 07:27:53 pm
I'm sure with them knowing you do the odd Ring trip, Robin, it'll be something uprated just in case  :happy2:
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: RedRobin on January 22, 2011, 07:37:23 pm

I'm sure with them knowing you do the odd Ring trip, Robin, it'll be something uprated just in case  :happy2:


....I reckon so too. And also I think their stocks are probably mostly as supplied by their sponsors for the VW Cup series. Hence using Fuchs in my car.
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: MAT ED30 on January 22, 2011, 07:54:02 pm
I am running caparos own fluid for the vwr brakes  will see what it is later on
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: swf7y on January 22, 2011, 08:00:48 pm
Hmmm... I reckon Motul RBF 600 is the way forward. I always thought DOT 5.1 would be better that DOT 4, obviously I was wrong  :mad:

Is Opieoils the best place to purchase?
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: RedRobin on January 22, 2011, 09:30:29 pm

I am running caparos own fluid for the vwr brakes  will see what it is later on


....Caparos fluid supplied by VWR or yourself, Mat?
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: swf7y on January 23, 2011, 07:56:45 pm
I've been informed there is a newer version of the RBF 600 which is the RBF 660, anyone tried this? Shall I go for this one instead? Also, is it 1L I need?
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: Janner_Sy on January 23, 2011, 09:11:04 pm
it'll require more than 1L for sure, especially as you need to flush it straight through and bleed out the air, so there will be some wastage.  Couldnt tell you the exact amount though
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: MAT ED30 on January 24, 2011, 01:40:33 pm

I am running caparos own fluid for the vwr brakes  will see what it is later on


....Caparos fluid supplied by VWR or yourself, Mat?

sorted by vwr from caparo
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: jabbalad on January 24, 2011, 02:04:03 pm
Castrol SRF for me,
Its alwase been the first port of call to change to a better brake fluid in all the cars i have owned, not one of them has caused the ABS pump to go wrong or have any adverse effects at all funny enough....

No matter how much training or books anyones read it will never be a replacement for real world experience.... my real world experience is that OEM brake fluid is not up to the job!
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: swf7y on January 24, 2011, 03:51:09 pm
Jabbalad, do you know how much fluid is needed for a full change?
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: Janner_Sy on January 24, 2011, 04:22:25 pm
No matter how much training or books anyones read it will never be a replacement for real world experience.... my real world experience is that OEM brake fluid is not up to the job!

But TT said....
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: jabbalad on January 24, 2011, 04:27:28 pm
The system should hold just under a liter, when changing fluid we usually use about 1.5L as you will waste some when bleeding the air out.... and dont forget you need to do the clutch too if yours is a manual as they use the same reservoir!
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: jabbalad on January 24, 2011, 04:28:09 pm
No matter how much training or books anyones read it will never be a replacement for real world experience.... my real world experience is that OEM brake fluid is not up to the job!

But TT said....

haha  :grin:
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: swf7y on January 24, 2011, 04:44:22 pm
The system should hold just under a liter, when changing fluid we usually use about 1.5L as you will waste some when bleeding the air out.... and dont forget you need to do the clutch too if yours is a manual as they use the same reservoir!

Thanks Jabbalad  :happy2: I have DSG. Might just go for Castrol SRF and do the job properly!  :signLOL:
Title: Re: Race brake fluid recommendations
Post by: useless on January 24, 2011, 05:13:17 pm
castrol srf is the best one! but don't forget to change it once in six months or earlier!