HELP: Dot 3 or Dot 4 for Bongo brake fluid?

[mikeonb4c]

I'm going to treat myself and not search old threads for hours on this one.

I bought Dot 4 fluid 4yrs agao for my Bongo, on advice from the forum at that time. But looking at my reservoir cap yesterday, it said 'Use only Dot 3'.

Can anyone resolve this conundrum for me (and others)?

Thanks chums

[wonkanoby]

think thats because it was best about at the time

cannot see how higher spec stuff will hurt at all

[mikeonb4c]

think thats because it was best about at the time

cannot see how higher spec stuff will hurt at all

Thanks wonkaboy - that idea has the ring of plausibility about it to me. Plus there must have been several owners who used Dot 4 (hence why I picked up the idea) and I haven't heard of any fatal accidents as a result

[munroman]

think thats because it was best about at the time

cannot see how higher spec stuff will hurt at all

Thanks wonkaboy - that idea has the ring of plausibility about it to me. Plus there must have been several owners who used Dot 4 (hence why I picked up the idea) and I haven't heard of any fatal accidents as a result

Dead men don't tell tales - that is all..........

[321Away]

Use dot4, not sure if there's an isuue about mixing??

ok just checked, you CAN mix dots 3 and 4, but CANT mix dot 5.

Julian

[mikeonb4c]

Use dot4, not sure if there's an isuue about mixing??

ok just checked, you CAN mix dots 3 and 4, but CANT mix dot 5.

Julian

Excellent and thanks. Out of interest, although my brake fluid must be as old as the car, the brakes feel fine. Am I being over-fussy to consider putting new fluid into the system. There seems no point unless I expect a useful performance in braking (although I did have one incident of slight brake fade after a long series of climbs and descents in the Yorkshire Dales, when fully loaded (I always use the autobox for braking as much as I can in those situations too!)

[lazyb5]

Found a nice helpful page explaining the differences between 3,4 & 5 brake fluids. http://www.american-auto-club.co.uk/aac ... show&id=70 I also have to bleed the system and got DOT4. Also been reading about the Pela pump to create vacuum.

[teenmal]

One of the other reasons for changing brake fluid when recommended, is that the fluid collects/attracts moisture/water.This in turn can cause your caliper pistons to stick/seize plus damage to other metalic parts of the system.
It is a maintenance fixture that is often neglected.

Cheers.

Ps just wondering if DBO managed to get his done.

[mikexgough]

All the advice given is BUT keep away from DOT 5........

Not sure if DBO bled his yet...... I use a Laser one man kit for bleeding brakes on cars.....supposed to be "one man" but I use a glamourous assistant to pump the pedal on my instructions to speed up the process....
Quick note..... Bongo has a brake bleed sequence ....

[mikeonb4c]

How do you get that silly plastic cup off the nipple?

Serious answers only please

[daveblueozzie]

One of the other reasons for changing brake fluid when recommended, is that the fluid collects/attracts moisture/water.This in turn can cause your caliper pistons to stick/seize plus damage to other metalic parts of the system.
It is a maintenance fixture that is often neglected.

Cheers.

Ps just wondering if DBO managed to get his done.

Not changed the fluid yet, not had chance with all the other work that has been going on with the bongo.
It will be done soon.

[mikeonb4c]

One of the other reasons for changing brake fluid when recommended, is that the fluid collects/attracts moisture/water.This in turn can cause your caliper pistons to stick/seize plus damage to other metalic parts of the system.
It is a maintenance fixture that is often neglected.

Cheers.

Ps just wondering if DBO managed to get his done.

Not changed the fluid yet, not had chance with all the other work that has been going on with the bongo.
It will be done soon.

Yours will soon the the best looking Bongo in town, whose brakes don't work