DOT 4 brake fluid full conversion plan - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

intensifi · 10-17-2013, 06:16 PM

After reading all the posts I have come up with a plan to do the full conversion (including ABS reservoir) to DOT 4 as I upgrade to the Brembos.

The concept revolves around activating the ABS system to purge its reservoir while the existing V6 rotors, pads and calipers are still installed.

Steps:

1) Install new SS master cylinder pre-bled and filled with DOT 4.
2) Bleed four corners while V6 brakes are still installed, adding more DOT 4 to the reservoir as needed.

At this point, I'll have a mix of DOT3 & DOT4 in the system.

3) Drive the car and make at least 6 hard stops where the ABS activates to purge the DOT3 out of its reservoir.
4) Add more DOT4 to reservoir as needed.
5) Install Brembos and new lines, but not disconnecting old line/caliper until new caliper and new line are mounted and ready to go. The idea is to minimize DOT4 fluid loss.
6) Bleed new lines adding more DOT4 to reservoir as needed.

Does this make sense?

I figure I might as well activate the ABS on the old brake components instead of the new ones.

caverman · 10-18-2013, 09:10 AM

Makes sense and would probably work.

For #5, I'll say that I was surprised at how little fluid came out when I took my calipers off. Obviously you'll want to hang them up so the rather than just drop down but don't expect all your fluid to come rushing out once you crack the first line open. At least mine didn't do that at all. Just little came out when I took my lines off. Still, it's not a bad idea to leave them hooked to the old caliper for as long as you can if you have the room. It's probably going to start getting crowded in there unless you just let the V6 caliper hang by the brake line out of the way.

With that all being said I think you could probably skip the process of bleeding your brakes with the V6 calipers first. Just do #3 after you have the Brembos on. Bleed your brakes and then go jam on them to try to activate the ABS. Then come back and bleed some more out just for grins. I'll tell you that I didn't bother worrying about my ABS when I went to DOT 4. A trip to the road course and it wasn't an issue at all. DOT 3 & 4 will mix and there isn't going to be a whole lot from your ABS in there.

IMO, unless you just want to be super anal about squeezing out all the DOT 3 at once then I would just do the Brembo/DOT4 conversion. Drive it around for a week or two hitting the brakes hard to get the fluid through the ABS and then come back later and do some touch up bleeding. When I talked to JDP Motorsports about this situation with ABS they basically told me not to worry and just send bleed some fresh DOT 4 through the brake after a couple track or auto-x runs and eventually you'll get DOT 4 in the ABS.

Surely you're going to be upgrading to stainless brake lines and Motul 600 fluid while you're switching your calipers?

JusticePete · 10-18-2013, 10:27 AM

I like super anal.

Sh1t!

That didn't come out right either.

I understand what you are doing and you are correct that it will be a thorough flush of fluids. You'll use a bit more fluid. So what. I say go for it

intensifi · 10-18-2013, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caverman

Surely you're going to be upgrading to stainless brake lines and Motul 600 fluid while you're switching your calipers?

Thanks for the input!

Yes to the stainless (Goodridge).

No to the Motul. I got a great deal on the Castrol SRF.

intensifi · 10-18-2013, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JusticePete

I like super anal.

Sh1t!

That didn't come out right either.

I understand what you are doing and you are correct that it will be a thorough flush of fluids. You'll use a bit more fluid. So what. I say go for it

You are a funny guy.

Maybe you have missed your calling. Get out of the suspension business! Standup comedy is calling.

Synner · 10-18-2013, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JusticePete

I like super anal.

Sh1t!

That didn't come out right either.

I understand what you are doing and you are correct that it will be a thorough flush of fluids. You'll use a bit more fluid. So what. I say go for it

Different strokes for different folks. If you like super anal shit I'll support you.
I didn't think there was a proper emoticon for that until I found "I'm a pony, I'm a pony!!"

ssmike · 10-18-2013, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intensifi

Thanks for the input!

Yes to the stainless (Goodridge).

No to the Motul. I got a great deal on the Castrol SRF.

Where did you get it from?

JusticePete · 10-18-2013, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synner

Different strokes for different folks. If you like super anal shit I'll support you.
I didn't think there was a proper emoticon for that until I found "I'm a pony, I'm a pony!!"

JusticePete · 10-18-2013, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssmike

Where did you get it from?

I need to work a deal with SRF. I deserve a royalty

Maybe i can broker a deal for track use only RED SRF brake fluid.

intensifi · 10-18-2013, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JusticePete

I need to work a deal with SRF. I deserve a royalty

Maybe i can broker a deal for track use only RED SRF brake fluid.

Any idea why the blue color went extinct?

JusticePete · 10-18-2013, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intensifi

Any idea why the blue color went extinct?

Federal law. Brake fluid must be clear.

intensifi · 10-18-2013, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JusticePete

Federal law. Brake fluid must be clear.

Is there a valid engineering reason?

JusticePete · 10-18-2013, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intensifi

Is there a valid engineering reason?

Consumer protection from stupidity.

ssmike · 10-18-2013, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JusticePete

I need to work a deal with SRF. I deserve a royalty

Maybe i can broker a deal for track use only RED SRF brake fluid.

Do it!

10-17-2013, 06:16 PM	#1
intensifi Drives: '12 2LT Convertible Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belmont, California Posts: 1,701	DOT 4 brake fluid full conversion plan After reading all the posts I have come up with a plan to do the full conversion (including ABS reservoir) to DOT 4 as I upgrade to the Brembos. The concept revolves around activating the ABS system to purge its reservoir while the existing V6 rotors, pads and calipers are still installed. Steps: 1) Install new SS master cylinder pre-bled and filled with DOT 4. 2) Bleed four corners while V6 brakes are still installed, adding more DOT 4 to the reservoir as needed. At this point, I'll have a mix of DOT3 & DOT4 in the system. 3) Drive the car and make at least 6 hard stops where the ABS activates to purge the DOT3 out of its reservoir. 4) Add more DOT4 to reservoir as needed. 5) Install Brembos and new lines, but not disconnecting old line/caliper until new caliper and new line are mounted and ready to go. The idea is to minimize DOT4 fluid loss. 6) Bleed new lines adding more DOT4 to reservoir as needed. Does this make sense? I figure I might as well activate the ABS on the old brake components instead of the new ones. __________________ Mods: GM Locking Gas Cap, RS License Plate Frame, SS Brembos, ZL1 FrontEnd, 14/15 Convertible Top

10-18-2013, 09:10 AM	#2
caverman Drives: '69 SS Convertible Join Date: May 2009 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 7,111	Makes sense and would probably work. For #5, I'll say that I was surprised at how little fluid came out when I took my calipers off. Obviously you'll want to hang them up so the rather than just drop down but don't expect all your fluid to come rushing out once you crack the first line open. At least mine didn't do that at all. Just little came out when I took my lines off. Still, it's not a bad idea to leave them hooked to the old caliper for as long as you can if you have the room. It's probably going to start getting crowded in there unless you just let the V6 caliper hang by the brake line out of the way. With that all being said I think you could probably skip the process of bleeding your brakes with the V6 calipers first. Just do #3 after you have the Brembos on. Bleed your brakes and then go jam on them to try to activate the ABS. Then come back and bleed some more out just for grins. I'll tell you that I didn't bother worrying about my ABS when I went to DOT 4. A trip to the road course and it wasn't an issue at all. DOT 3 & 4 will mix and there isn't going to be a whole lot from your ABS in there. IMO, unless you just want to be super anal about squeezing out all the DOT 3 at once then I would just do the Brembo/DOT4 conversion. Drive it around for a week or two hitting the brakes hard to get the fluid through the ABS and then come back later and do some touch up bleeding. When I talked to JDP Motorsports about this situation with ABS they basically told me not to worry and just send bleed some fresh DOT 4 through the brake after a couple track or auto-x runs and eventually you'll get DOT 4 in the ABS. Surely you're going to be upgrading to stainless brake lines and Motul 600 fluid while you're switching your calipers? __________________ *-2010 Camaro* 2SS \| M6 \| VR w/White Stripes \| 1 3/4" KOOKS - 3" Magnaflow \| LPE 3.91 gears \| ADM tuned \| Halltech w/ADM Scoop \| Spohn/BMR Trailing Arm/Toe Rod \| BC Coilovers\| Pedders FE4 ZL1 swaybars \| Cradle/Diff/Radius Rod bushings \| VMax TB \| Morimoto Projectors \| MGW shifter \| Red Calipers Build Journal

10-18-2013, 10:27 AM	#3
JusticePete Drives: Camaro Justice Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 20,174	I like super anal. Sh1t! That didn't come out right either. I understand what you are doing and you are correct that it will be a thorough flush of fluids. You'll use a bit more fluid. So what. I say go for it