My brake fluid is a bit low in my '85 300TD...guess I bled it a little too much when I changed the brake pads. Oops.

What is the recommended brand for brake fluid? I'm guessing they are not all made equal, but I'm also guessing the pricey brake fluid at the dealer is not absolutely a must either.....but just to be sure, thought I ask the question.

Thanks

My Haynes manual says that any DOT4 will suffice.

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon

If you don't know if you have DOT3 or DOT4 fluid, you should flush the system with new fluid. DO NOT mix DOT3 and 4 fluids.

If the fluid is a dark brown or it's been in there for more than two years, now is a good time to flush it.

yep, its cheap enough to just flush it out w/ a qt of brand new dot 4- under $10. CSK and napa carry valvoline synthetic.(why not, the rest of the car gets it!)

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

yep. the new non silicone synthetic is what i would use as well.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I use Castrol LMR. Says DOT 3 and DOT 4.

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Ron Schroeder
'85 300 Turbo Diesel 2 tank WVO
'83 300 Turbo Diesel 2 tank WVO
Some former WVO vehicles since ~1980:
'83 Mercedes 240D
'80 Audi 4000D
'83 ISUZU Pup
'70 SAAB 99 with Kubota diesel
'76 Honda Civic with Kubota diesel
'86 Golf
Several diesel generators
All with 2 tank WVO conversion
LI NY

How much really is the MB fluid when you are talking about a few small bottles. Any reputable DOT 4 is probably ok.

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01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

I alternate using ATE Amber and ATE Super Blue when I bleed the brakes on my cars -- that way, a complete change from amber to blue (or vice-versa) lets me know the fluid has been flushed completely. To bleed, I use a Motive bleeder.

Those bleeders rock, I LOVE mine. $50 well spent!

I use Valvoline Syn fluid.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

You can purchase a quart of Castrol LMA (DOT 3/4) at Pepboi for $6.

Thanks for all the responses on this. I think I might get one of those bleeders. -harv