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Brake Fluid Change to Dot 5.1

A

amb67

Time to change my brake and clutch fluids as I have noticed that the feel at the lever is deteriorating rapidly. :eek:

Anyhow, been reading up on this Dot 5.1 fluid and it seems to be rather well suited to our beloved RSV's.

Anyone here using it and if yes have you noticed any distinct benefit from the change over?

Link to Dot 5.1 data - Click Me

PS. Did you know that brake fluid manufacturers put inhibitors in the fluid so that it changes colour as it absorbs moisture?

Well apparently they do and if the fluid is darker than honey in colour then you should change it, if it's black it's overdue a change.
 
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I expect the biggest difference will be the fact you have fresh fluid in the system. I doubt it performs any better on the road, as you'd have to be seriously going for it to have DOT4 fade on you. On the track I'm sure it would make a difference
 
_James_ said:
I expect the biggest difference will be the fact you have fresh fluid in the system. I doubt it performs any better on the road, as you'd have to be seriously going for it to have DOT4 fade on you. On the track I'm sure it would make a difference
Click to expand...

I was more considering the effects of heat transference from the engine casings to the clutch slave then in to the fluid.

As we all know the clutch circuit on our beloved bikes need TLC all too often for my liking, do you think that the added heat capabilities of the 5.1 would extend the life of the fluid?
 
Doesnt 5.1 attack the rubber seals or is it DOT 5 that attacks the seals

Or is it that you cant mix 4 and 5
 
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I dont know a great deal about the dot 5 fluid only that its of a racing spec and costs 3 times as much. IMO i doubt you will notice any difference Alan mate.

I know that its a big no no to mix dot 5 with dot 4.
 
Interesting question this,Ive just rebuilt my clutch slave and filled with 5.1 as I was under the impression this had superseded Dot 4.

All well and good, UNTIL I was looking thru' the AF1 forums and came across a service directive NOT to use anything other than Dot 4.

If memory serves me correctly the reason behind it was Dot 5.1 is more prone to absorbing moisture than Dot4 and this makes any potential Ape problems worse.

However, one of the Gurus over there actually swears by Dot 5 silicone as long as all traces of the previous stuff is drained out.

There does seem to be compelling evidence supported by pictures to support his theory that 5.1 is the way to go FOR THE CLUTCH ONLY !

I would do a link but I'm not sure how to at the moment,however I can recommend a search on that forum,makes interesting reading.

Ian
 
LOL read many of those threads and determined that they have a few members in the know and many who haven't got a clue.

I replaced all my brake and clutch fluids today and will see how it goes.

The old DOT 4 I had previously in the circuits was crap and I now have a fully functioning clutch and rock hard front and rear brake levers.

:doug


IanG said:
Interesting question this,Ive just rebuilt my clutch slave and filled with 5.1 as I was under the impression this had superseded Dot 4.

All well and good, UNTIL I was looking thru' the AF1 forums and came across a service directive NOT to use anything other than Dot 4.

If memory serves me correctly the reason behind it was Dot 5.1 is more prone to absorbing moisture than Dot4 and this makes any potential Ape problems worse.

However, one of the Gurus over there actually swears by Dot 5 silicone as long as all traces of the previous stuff is drained out.

There does seem to be compelling evidence supported by pictures to support his theory that 5.1 is the way to go FOR THE CLUTCH ONLY !

I would do a link but I'm not sure how to at the moment,however I can recommend a search on that forum,makes interesting reading.

Ian
Click to expand...
 
Put it in TVR's before and TBH it was still fooked at the end of the track day and the customer said he hadn't noticed much difference.

We went back to using standard DOT 4 after that.
 
kiwi_rsvr said:
Could always use some of this stuff

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ProductDetail.asp?cls=MCYCLE&pcode=CAS1767
Click to expand...

'kin ell!! Does that price include a techie to bleed the system & a busty tart to administer a blo*j*b while you wait ?? :doug

I have just found an Aprilia Service Bulletin relevant to this but can't find a way to link it here.

It's Service Note 009-2007 " Rear Brake Bleeding Campaign" a 6 page pictorial PDF for dealers.

Can anyone advise on how to link a PDF ?
 
Click 'Go advanced' when replying to the thread.

Then you'll see an icon for 'Manage attachments' click on that then browse for the PDF on your HD and upload it to the post.
 
Obviously getting too late in the night :dunno Which is the "manage attachment" icon ? not the "insert link" that asks for a URL is it?
 
here it is pal i hope :eatcorn

the attach button is below the text box in additional options (scroll down)
 

Attachments

  • ApriliaServiceBulletin.pdf RearBrakeBleedingCampaign.pdf
    119.8 KB
Umm yes, that's what I was trying to do Thank you:thumbup

Page 3 is where I noticed the bit about Dot 5.1
 
Ok, think I've found why I can't find the "manage attachment" button.

It aint there !

Posting rules box says "you may not post attachments" any idea why?

Using Firefox 3 browser if that's relevant? Can't find anything in user cp to enable attachment functions.

What gives ??
 
IanG said:
Ok, think I've found why I can't find the "manage attachment" button.

It aint there !

Posting rules box says "you may not post attachments" any idea why?

Using Firefox 3 browser if that's relevant? Can't find anything in user cp to enable attachment functions.

What gives ??
Click to expand...

you might have subscribe mate,go on you know you want to:biggrin
 
I put 5.1 in my clutch last year, but changedit back to Dot 4 after just 20 miles. I lost all feel in the clutch lever and had to almost release all of the lever before I could feel the clutch bite. The manual refers to DOT5.1 but speaking to others they swear by DOT 4.
 

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