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Dot Brake Fluid

1449 Views 19 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  WhiteRavenKS
Ok so I got the new Avid Juicy Sevens for front and rear. I'll do some reviewing of those when I get the time. Both of them need the lines cut down and thus re-bled. I have the choice between two different numers of dot (I forget the numbers.) Would one be at all stiffer or thinner or better feeling or anything over the other?

If I were to guess it was 4.1 and 5 maybe? I've never delt with dot fluid before.
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I'd run the 4.1...


At least thats what me other DOT brakes liked.


I think.



Maybe it was dot 3, if there is such a thing...


ok I'm no help, sorry.
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I have no idea how those particuar brakes work, but with both Magura HS33s and Hayes discs (the two hydraulic systems I have experience with) just because you cut the line doesn't necessarily mean you have to re-bleed. If done carefully you can just cut them and re-attach them. You can also catch the fluid in the line that you cut, and drop a little bit into the caliper if needed to keep air bubbles to a minimum. Then again I am the worst mechanic in Colorado, and I always have brake problems, so just ignore me...
aaaaaahhahha pancho


Maybe thats why your brakes never worked. :)
Thats what I figured Pancho. My Louise and Martas were like that. I read some paper it came with on cutting them and it says they have to be re-bled tho. So I guess a bike store may get to touch my bike. I'm not impressed...
Bleeding is so easy... If you have the tools of course. Doesn't avid sell a bleed kit?
And the manual should state which fluid to use. If you have a choice between 4.1 and 5 choose 5 because it is more heat resistant.
Coramoor said:
If you have a choice between 4.1 and 5 choose 5 because it is more heat resistant.
But more prone to ingress of water... and youre never gonna get heat in trials.

4 gets my vote, thats what I usually use :Wavey:
Dot 3 exists..LOL, it's what most of today's cars use. I hope you're not putting DOT4 or 5 in your cars brake system, LOL. Brake fluid doesn't mix too well....
I can't use dot 3. Only dot 4 or 5.1. Just wondering if there would be a different feel between 4 and 5.1.
BrettM said:
Just wondering if there would be a different feel between 4 and 5.1.
None whatsoever.
thetart20 said:
BrettM said:
Just wondering if there would be a different feel between 4 and 5.1.
None whatsoever.
I don't know about the euro fluid 5.1 (I've heard it's different than normal DOT5) , but DOT5 has silicon in it, and as far as vehicles go IT CAN NOT MIX! Your system takes DOT4 or DOT5, not either one.
I don't know the "Juicy" system, but typically a system takes one or the other NOT EITHER. I do know that DOT 5 is nice to work with cause it doesn't eat paint like DOT4 does, but it's supposed to not be compatible with DOT 4 seals..............
oicdn said:
Dot 3 exists..LOL, it's what most of today's cars use. I hope you're not putting DOT4 or 5 in your cars brake system, LOL. Brake fluid doesn't mix too well....
i run DOT 4. you are a dumbass.
jeeze... who cares? put the shit in your brake and ride it.. blah
AndrewT said:
aaaaaahhahha pancho


Maybe thats why your brakes never worked. :)
Hey, I'm team mechanic, sooo yea... take that...
Im getting tired of saying this but my brake says I can use either 5.1 or 4. So for the couple people who keep telling me I can't well I can.

Apparently theres no diff in feel tho. So my question is answered and thanks.
you can use either 4 OR 5.1 just never ever both at the same time. if you ever were to switch, flush out the system really really well.
like an enema
Do not use DOT brake fluid in Magura rim brakes. It will ruin them.

Plain mineral oil only.
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