What's the best brake fluid?

[Redliner]

It seems a few of us are looking at upgrading brakes at the moment.
Just curious to see what brake fluid would be the best choice for the Polo GTI or other VW's.

Plus, if you are just topping up and not doing a full flush, can you mix various grades.

I am changing disks and pads soon and installing braided lines later.

[team_v]

I use Penrite Sin600 Dot 4 Racing Brake Fluid but it might be best to hit up GSLRallysport (forum sponsor) and see what they reccomend for the Polo (as opposed to my Tiguan) and how much you would need for a fush/bleed.

[VWindahouse]

Yep Greg recommends Penrite Sin600, and I concur Never experienced any fade on the track.


Cheers.

[Transporter]

To flush and bleed you need 1-1.5L of the b/fluid.

I use ATE SL6 brake fluid and for more than normal driving on the roads, it's ideal fluid for modern brake systems. The brakes are sharp and responsive in any situation.

The bleeding should be done with the proper pressure bleeder.



If you use the cheap air operated one, where you pump the container with the b/fluid with the air, then the moisture in the air will get in the b/system which will corrode the metal in the b/system, as well as microscopic air bubbles will penetrate into the brake fluid.

[gslrallysport]

It seems a few of us are looking at upgrading brakes at the moment.
Just curious to see what brake fluid would be the best choice for the Polo GTI or other VW's.

Depends entirely on what you're using the car for, but for most cars we just recommend the Penrite Super Dot 4, which is also Dot 3 and Dot 4 compatible. And if you're in no rush (like 8 weeks) is also currently free, checkout Brakes Direct, or else to send out now is $8ish something per 500mL.

Plus, if you are just topping up and not doing a full flush, can you mix various grades.

Provided they're within the same Dot compatibility yes, but seriously, fluid is cheap enough you'd be better off just doing the whole lot...

I am changing disks and pads soon and installing braided lines later.

What parts are you planning on using?

[Jmac]

Depends entirely on what you're using the car for, but for most cars we just recommend the Penrite Super Dot 4, which is also Dot 3 and Dot 4 compatible. And if you're in no rush (like 8 weeks) is also currently free, checkout Brakes Direct, or else to send out now is $8ish something per 500mL.


Provided they're within the same Dot compatibility yes, but seriously, fluid is cheap enough you'd be better off just doing the whole lot...


What parts are you planning on using?

I agree thats what i use and have done for moons unless otherwise asked, went through a spelll of folk wanting Martini GS610 which was all good but is only good for 12mnths , Super dot 4 is good for 24. Of which gets used as part of the service when due.
Cheers
Jmac

[Redliner]

Depends entirely on what you're using the car for, but for most cars we just recommend the Penrite Super Dot 4, which is also Dot 3 and Dot 4 compatible. And if you're in no rush (like 8 weeks) is also currently free, checkout Brakes Direct, or else to send out now is $8ish something per 500mL.


Provided they're within the same Dot compatibility yes, but seriously, fluid is cheap enough you'd be better off just doing the whole lot...


What parts are you planning on using?

Mainly street use.
Changind disks to Brembo Max disks and Brembo Sport Track Road HP pads
Brembo | Aftermarket Catalogue
Competition Braking Products | Brembo Sport

I will probably upgrade to larger disks and calipers later depending on how effective these are.

Looks like Penrite Super Dot 4 is the best choice.

Do braided lines make a big difference?

[VWindahouse]

I got the HEL braided lines after rotor and fluid changes and can definitely say they made a noticeable difference in pedal feel.

Cheers.

[Redliner]

I got the HEL braided lines after rotor and fluid changes and can definitely say they made a noticeable difference in pedal feel.

Cheers.

If I do decide to upgrade to a larger disk and calipers at a later stage will the braided lines fit?

[gslrallysport]

Do braided lines make a big difference?

Where the current rubber lines are near new, nope. 99% of the benefit people get is from changing the brake fluid.

Where the current rubber lines are old and perished... ABSOLUTELY!!!

[gslrallysport]

If I do decide to upgrade to a larger disk and calipers at a later stage will the braided lines fit?

More than likely. Most calipers take a similar fitting.

[Jmac]

Once again agree here, brake fluid is hygroscopic and does its job well, but the down side of that when you get moisture in a hydraulic system you will get a spongy pedal. Brake fluid will make a HUGE difference. Braided lines, everyone has an opinion, they were great back in the old Mk2 s but thats just it they were old. New Flexi pipes are well up for the job but dont look as pretty and in the long term the braids will last longest. Most brake feel gets lost right at the master cyl, firewall/bulkhead and some caliper tilt. If you are after a good pedal on a newer car then start at the fluid. Dubs are not too bad at the firewall to be fair. If your calipers can accomodate the bushes then all good there too.
Jmac

[Redliner]

Thanks for the info. I will leave the braided lines for now.

If your calipers can accomodate the bushes then all good there too.
Jmac

What bushes?