Brake fluid
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: MD
Brake fluid
I'm at 65k, never changed brake pad, so I decided to just go for broke... Gonna replace pads, rotors and do a complete brake fluid flush. Any recommendations for brake fluid? I got a synthetic Valvoline DOT 3/4 brake fluid. Any advice otherwise?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 87
From: NJ
im not sure what you mean by spacer, its a hydraulic fluid where boiling points can matter when it comes to continued hard braking. Also there are differences in wet saturation points which some brake fluids are more susceptible to pulling water out of the air and causing costly corrosion in your brake system.
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 15
From: DE
Brakes get HOT. If your brakes get hot enough and the fluid can boil and then you're in trouble. Among other things the higher the number the higher the boiling point. Most cars use a DOT3 or DOT4. There is a DOT5 but it is more for racing applications and is higher maintenance. It tends to readily absorb moisture and needs to be changed more often. Also DOT5 is incompatible with other brake fluids. There is a DOT5.1 but I know very little about it. My BMWs want DOT4. If I were to change the fluid in the RX my OC would make me use DOT4. I don't know what Lexus puts in.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 87
From: NJ
Brakes get HOT. If your brakes get hot enough and the fluid can boil and then you're in trouble. Among other things the higher the number the higher the boiling point. Most cars use a DOT3 or DOT4. There is a DOT5 but it is more for racing applications and is higher maintenance. It tends to readily absorb moisture and needs to be changed more often. Also DOT5 is incompatible with other brake fluids. There is a DOT5.1 but I know very little about it. My BMWs want DOT4. If I were to change the fluid in the RX my OC would make me use DOT4. I don't know what Lexus puts in.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 360
Likes: 42
From: Victoria, Australia
I am pretty sure Toyota only specify DOT3 brake fluid for their models, so DOT4 is not recommended. Check your manuals.
Here is an existing discussion: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc430-2nd-gen-2001-2010/606221-brake-fluid-dot-4-or-3-a.html
Here is an existing discussion: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc430-2nd-gen-2001-2010/606221-brake-fluid-dot-4-or-3-a.html
Last edited by tempestv8; Apr 20, 2018 at 03:31 AM.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 87
From: NJ
I am pretty sure Toyota only specify DOT3 brake fluid for their models, so DOT4 is not recommended. Check your manuals.
Here is an existing discussion: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...-4-or-3-a.html
Here is an existing discussion: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...-4-or-3-a.html
the only fluid that should not be used on this chart is DOT5 ..it is silicone based. Here is more info on DOT4 brake fluid https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOT_4 Noted in the wiki..most cars in the US since 2006 use DOT4, I would think DOT4 is widely compatible due to the global supply chain Toyota/Lexus uses in brake system seal components. I doubt the Australian market uses brake components that are incompatible.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 360
Likes: 42
From: Victoria, Australia
I also drive a Land Cruiser and am a member on the Cruiser forums. If the brake systems are similar, then I'd definitely stick with DOT3, as there are numerous first hand testimonies from owners who have struck problems long term with the use of DOT4 fluid. The symptoms don't manifest immediately.
Toyota states in a TSB, their Brake fluid: "Toyota uses brake fluids containing polymers that act as lubricants for certain brake system components."
It goes onto say: "If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or contain only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal (Brake Master Cylinder Cup) located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry"
I am not saying that this will be the case with an RX but why take the risk? A new bottle of Toyota DOT3 brake fluid is cheap and works perfectly fine.
Toyota states in a TSB, their Brake fluid: "Toyota uses brake fluids containing polymers that act as lubricants for certain brake system components."
It goes onto say: "If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or contain only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal (Brake Master Cylinder Cup) located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry"
I am not saying that this will be the case with an RX but why take the risk? A new bottle of Toyota DOT3 brake fluid is cheap and works perfectly fine.
Last edited by tempestv8; Apr 22, 2018 at 08:20 AM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 87
From: NJ
I also drive a Land Cruiser and am a member on the Cruiser forums. If the brake systems are similar, then I'd definitely stick with DOT3, as there are numerous first hand testimonies from owners who have struck problems long term with the use of DOT4 fluid. The symptoms don't manifest immediately.
Toyota states in a TSB, their Brake fluid: "Toyota uses brake fluids containing polymers that act as lubricants for certain brake system components."
It goes onto say: "If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or contain only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal (Brake Master Cylinder Cup) located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry"
I am not saying that this will be the case with an RX but why take the risk? A new bottle of Toyota DOT3 brake fluid is cheap and works perfectly fine.
Toyota states in a TSB, their Brake fluid: "Toyota uses brake fluids containing polymers that act as lubricants for certain brake system components."
It goes onto say: "If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or contain only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal (Brake Master Cylinder Cup) located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry"
I am not saying that this will be the case with an RX but why take the risk? A new bottle of Toyota DOT3 brake fluid is cheap and works perfectly fine.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 87
From: NJ
The Lexus manual refers to FMVSS No. 116, DOT 3 or SAE. J1703 brake fluid. FWIW, Valvoline Dot 3 and 4 fluid "surpasses specifications SAE J1703, FMVSS No. 116 and DOT 4 motor vehicle brake fluid"
feel free to compare their SDS sheets Toyota Brake Fluid vs Valvoline Dot3 and 4 Brake fluid
feel free to compare their SDS sheets Toyota Brake Fluid vs Valvoline Dot3 and 4 Brake fluid
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