I just had my Z in the shop for some window problems, and while I had it in there I decided to have them flush the old brake fluid out and put in some DOT 5 approved fluid. Now the brakes feel soft and there is brake fluid leaking under pressure. Can brake fluid change the feel of the brakes? And can the leakage under pressure just be excess? Or is this just the results of a s**ty job?

 

Best thing to do is to go to Zeckhausen.com or one of the sites here regarding brakes and fluids. They can tell you all about Dot 5 and why it isn't a good idea.
Enjoy!

 

Hmmm...I think I remember reading somewhere that Dot 5 fluid breaks down some of the seals in systems designed for Dot 3 and Dot 4. It's been a while since I read that, so don't take my word as gospel

You might want to read the this slightly long, but worthwhile whitepaper...

http://www.stoptech.com/whitepapers/brakefluid1a.htm

 

Ok. That sucks. Thanks for the info.

 

What kinda brake fluid should I use to top it off?

 

You will rarely need to top it off, and the spec is DOT 3.

 

dot 5 is not to be used.

dot 5.1 is compatible with dot 4 and dot 3 (which is recommend for the z). but not dot 5.

 

dot 4 and 3 are compatible. dot 5 is not, as mentioned.

 

DOT 5 is a silicone based brake fluid. This can damage your entire braking syste.

The fluid you wanted to use was DOT 5.1, which is a synthetic based fluid. MOTUL 5.1 or MOTUL RBF would be one of the two you wanted to use.

In all my cars I have Motul 5.1 and it is great. The best recommendation is to flush out your entire system, put stainless steel braded lines on your car (GOODRIDGE) and replace the brake fluid with the stock factory fluid.

Good luck

 

Get that DOT 5 outta there right away before you have to spring for a lot of $$ to fix the system ( might already be too late).

Be sure to do a couple of complete flush/bleeds to get all DOT5 out.

An excellent fluid for the price is Valvoline SYnPower Brake Fluid DOT 3/4.

Like others said, DOT 5.1 is also compatible with your Z.

Fred..

 

Ok so here is what happened. The dealer installed the DOT 5 for me and I got my car back and the pedal was really soft. And instead of telling me that the DOT 5 was bad for my system, they told me it was fine and it felt like every other Z they have driven. So I took it to a brake shop and he said that all of the rubber in the brake system needs to be replaced. The dealer does not want to cover it under warranty. Please do not post about weather it should or shouldn't be covered because after a brief talk with my lawyer we came to the conclusion that the dealer is at fault more than myself. Anyways, what I need is something from Nissan saying that DOT 5 will ruin the system. Does anybody know where I can find this info?

 

Try the owners manual for starters
I'm sure it says in there not to use anything but the recommended fluid. The damn brake fluid cover has DOT 3 written on it in big letters. Call NNA ( 1-800-NISSAN1 i think) and tell them you want someone with at least a GED working in your car next time.

I'd also recommend some documentation from your brake shop.

Too many bad Nissan dealerships.

 

the owners manual specifically says that synthetic brake fluid is not allowed.

 

ill see if i can find some info...

ive always recomended and regularly stock...

 

Did you ask them to use DOT 5 or did they decide to use it on their own?

 

I asked them to.

 

If you asked them to, then you don't have much of a leg to stand on. They did exactly what you told them.

Now I'll be the first to admit that common sense and decency would dictate that they should have the knowledge and use it notify you of the incompatability.

Ultimately you're only going to get into a pissing contest with the dealer and make some lawyers rich. My guess is that it will cost you a whole lot more in legal fees than the repair bill.

Try to sweet-talk NNA into covering it through another dealer. Maybe with enough pressure and persuasion you can get some positive results.

Good luck!

 

They also don't recommend running synthetics in the engine either, but it's only because they didn't conduct testing with synthetics. They don't want to be liable if something happens.

That being said, I've been running Valvoline's SynPower brake fluid in mine for almost 2 years without any sort of problems.

 

Owners manual says DOT 3




http://www.courtesyparts.com/350z/2003-Nissan-350Z.pdf