BRake Fluid DOT 3 & 4

jbhawley · Nov 10, 2010

Greetings,
Just finishing up on my first full maintenance service to my 2007 GL1800. While in the auto parts store yesterday getting the anti-freeze, oil, etc...I went to get some DOT4 brake fluid. They only had these:
DOT 3
DOT 3 & 4
DOT 5
Which got me wondering if the combo type DOT 3 & 4 are ok to use instead of straight DOT 4. Granted I am going to the Honda shop to get the DOT 4 fluid, but in a pinch will the other type ( 3 & 4 ) work?

This question may have already been answered, and if so, my apologies for asking again. Searching was futile.

SteveU · Nov 10, 2010

You can use the 3&4 or 4 but DO NOT USE 5. It is silicon based & does not mix with the others. I have found Valvoline Synpower 3&4 seems to stay clear longer than the store brand brake fluid.

GoldWingrGreg · Nov 10, 2010

Any Dot 4 or Dot 3 and 4 will work. I quit using the Valvoleen brand because of the clear color. With no contrasting color, it is too difficult to see how full the rear master cylider is. I went back to the Honda brand also because it comes in a bottle where you can pour it into the rear cylider easier because of the long neck. The clear color and the short necked bottle means for me, that to much ends up on the floor and then I have to back the Wing out and rinse it down to get spilled brake fluid off.

Ed Kruse · Nov 10, 2010

SteveU said:
You can use the 3&4 or 4 but DO NOT USE 5. It is silicon based & does not mix with the others. I have found Valvoline Synpower 3&4 seems to stay clear longer than the store brand brake fluid.

:thumbup:

upssnowman · Nov 10, 2010

I use prestone, or Honda dot 4 , autozone or honda =for clutch
3 for brakes, what ever brand you want.
I've had just a handful of bikes have trouble with 3 in the clutch, so I only use 4.
lots of guys will say 3 is ok but this is my experience.

Pigeon Roost · Nov 11, 2010

Some products are labled DOT 3/4 becasue if they meet spec for 4, then they certainly also meet spec for 3. Like others said, 5 is a whole nuther elephant and has no application with the GL18.

prs

dstevens · Nov 11, 2010

Brake Fluid DOT 3& 4

The way it was explained to me by the Honda certified mechanic was that motorcycles need a fluid that withstands higher pressure because a bike system uses higher pressure on the calipers thus DOT 4 because it is made to stand higher pressure. DOT 3& 4 also withstand the same pressures so is OK to use. DOT 3 is not reccommended because it may fail under the higher pressure of a bikes system. I will not use anything but DOT 4 after learning this bit of info

James I. Jones · Nov 11, 2010

Dstevens, The dot 3 will withstand the same pressure the Dot 4 will withstand. The difference is in the temperature. The dot 4 will withstand higher temps before it will start to boil and fail.

BRake Fluid DOT 3 & 4

jbhawley

SteveU

GoldWingrGreg

Ed Kruse

upssnowman

Pigeon Roost

dstevens

James I. Jones

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities