Dot 3 vs Dot 4 brake fluid - DOT 4 absorbs moisture, so don't o/look maintenance!

[bikerchris1270]

Your Spyder probably uses DOT 4 brake fluid with a maintenance schedule of every 2 years. Dot 4 has a tendency to absorb more moisture from the atmosphere than Dot 3 fluid, BUT Dot 4 has a higher boiling point with less seal swell than Dot 3.
My Spyder only has 11k on it and I found the fluid very dark instead of the amber color of new fluid - just saying it's probably good not to overlook the required maintenance.

 

[Tourer]

If you haven’t performed this maintenance yet, would recommend getting speed bleeders. Makes the job super easy. Buy the bag and hose from them also. Took me 45 minutes and didn’t spill a drop of fluid.

 

[Navydad]

If you haven’t performed this maintenance yet, would recommend getting speed bleeders. Makes the job super easy. Buy the bag and hose from them also. Took me 45 minutes and didn’t spill a drop of fluid.

:agree:

 

[Gwolf]

+ 1 on the speed bleeders.

That, along with a vacuum pump on a catch jar, makes it a 10 minutes job.

Took longer to put the old brake fluid back in the container to be disposed of than it took to change the fluid.

 

[Mikey]

:agree: X3 They are a great tool in your box of tricks, if you choose to install them!!!!

 

[Bensonoid]

My 4 wheelers require DOT 3 and the Spyder DOT 4, so I use this.

 

[Jane1330]

Our shop has an abundance of DOT 5.1 (NOT 5) so that's what I use...

 

[Longtimer]

Where are you getting speed bleeder from and what info do you need to order them I have a couple of projects I can use them on besides my spyder and has any body had problems with them like leaking?? Thanks

 

[EdMat]

Where are you getting speed bleeder from and what info do you need to order them I have a couple of projects I can use them on besides my spyder and has any body had problems with them like leaking?? Thanks

http://speedbleeder.com/bikechart.htm

No leakage problems.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

http://speedbleeder.com/bikechart.htm

No leakage problems.

Thanks for this. :clap: Do you think these cannot be used on a car/trk?? Why only Mtc's? Mike :thumbup:

 

[EdMat]

Thanks for this. :clap: Do you think these cannot be used on a car/trk?? Why only Mtc's? Mike :thumbup:

Mike, click back on their home page and you will find their charts for different type vehicles. Love mine. They will become a standard addon for anything in the future.

 

[Steve W.]

My 4 wheelers require DOT 3 and the spyder DOT 4 so I use this.

Your 4-wheelers might "require" DOT3, but DOT4 will work in them just as well (or better).

Our shop has an abundance of DOT 5.1 (NOT 5) so that's what I use...

It is good that you know the difference that ".1" makes. DOT5 fluid is silicone-based and is not compatible with DOT3 or DOT4. I think there might be issues with seals, too, you need to ensure that the entire system will work with DOT5. For some reason, they came out with a DOT5.1 that is compatible with DOT3 and DOT4, but has improvements. The (unfortunately) similar name can be rather confusing.

.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Mike, click back on their home page and you will find their charts for different type vehicles. Love mine. They will become a standard addon for anything in the future.

OK , thanks for that .....I'll check if the Spyder models have the same numbers for my Nissan Versa :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: >... Mikehyea:

 

[redrazor]

Where are you getting speed bleeder from and what info do you need to order them I have a couple of projects I can use them on besides my spyder and has any body had problems with them like leaking?? Thanks

:read: AMAZON.com is where I got mine. Check the chart for right ones!

 

[iSilentP]

Is this a good one to use on my 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT SE6?

https://www.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-DOT-4-Brake-Fluid/dp/B0084B610K

If not, what is recommended? Link would be appreciated.

 

[Peter Aawen]

Is this a good one to use on my 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT SE6?

https://www.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-DOT-4-Brake-Fluid/dp/B0084B610K

If not, what is recommended? Link would be appreciated.

If it's DOT4 Brake Fluid (and it sure looks like it is! ) then it's fine to use in your Spyder's brake system - btw, IIRC, all Spyders from 2013 on, regardless of their year &/or model, have what is effectively the same Brembo Brake system! :thumbup:

So I won't add another link, cos you've already got one that works fine. hyea:

 

[BertRemington]

~ Tony -- you didn't say when your last brake service was performed and you have a 10 year old Spyder. At a minimum I recommend you buy two of your choice to ensure a complete change of fluid. Begin with removing fluid from the reservoirs (most not all), refill and then the wheel calipers. DO NOT ALLOW the reservoirs to go empty or even low. A world of grief awaits you if that happens.

BTW I use the ATE 200 in a metal can.

 

[Cosmo]

I use brake fluid test strips to determine when to change

There are also coolant test strips