brake fluid: dot 4 or 5.1, whats the difference?

[AZIROC]

and can u switch over to 5.1?

 

[Bronto]

General information
Not suppose to use it with DOT4 or DOT3. The Dot 5 is synthetic brake fluid.

Interesting to find out is. Cleaning out all DOT 4 brake fluid from the lines, master and slave pistons. If it is then OK to use DOT5.

 

[shenoyp]

if im not worng... the DOT refers to the viscocity of the break fluid!! Its not advisable to put the wrong break fluid.. as this can severly impair the functionality of the break pistons!

Someone correct me if im wrong!!

 

[solo_md]

i encountered the same delimma when I changed my brake lines. Someone told me not to use DOT 5. I purchased DOT 5.1. I asked the dealer and the answer was DOT 5.1 is the best brake fluid. You can use DOT 5.1 in a system manufactured for DOT 4. You must bleed all of the DOT 4 out of the system first. The fluid to stay away from is DOT 5 but 5.1 is the best product.