What are you using for brake fluid? Jaguar insists it must be Super DOT 4 and all I can find is Castrol Response at $35 a litre with shipping. There must be a cheaper way. Can I use DOT 5.1?

 

That's absolutely outrageous !!!

 

I found Motul DOT 5.1 on Amazon for $25 a litre free shipping. Guess I'll need to check with the dealer in the morning to see how much they charge for it.

 

There are several super dot 4 fluids out there, I have been buying a German one (name begins with a P) from Napa for $10.00 per litre.

Its called Pentosin

 

Every car parts store carries DOT 4 brake fluid. If you're paying more than $6 per 500ml, you're being ripped off.

 

Neither Autozone nor Advanced Auto here carry it, they said they cannot order it either.

NOTE: They carry universal DOT 3/4 which is not compatible/recommended for our brake systems. That is why Jaguar calls for a specific product.

 

Just found it. THank you! $13.19 a litre

 

Not a lot of ppl know that you get a discount there by showing that card.

 

How much fluid do you use to do a complete flush & fill?

 

Best show them this:

Prestone/12 oz. high performance DOT 4 brake fluid (AS-800P) | Brake Fluid | AutoZone.com

or this:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Dot-4-Brake-Fluid-Pentosin_10007836-P_N3222_T|GRP2008_____

Not surprising that they don't know their own merchandise, unfortunately.

 

I would get 2 and use one for top up.

 

Just to be sure..

 

Thank you for that, however when I enter my ZIP it comes up as unavailable. The store employees suggested I go to the dealership of course.

Oh, and those products will not work on our cars either. They must be Super DOT 4, which has higher specifications for boiling points and viscosity.

 

Jah,
I think the Pentosin from Napa will be your best bet, my local store overnites it from Portland, it is a respected brand.

 

Thank you, looks like I can have it tomorrow at my local store.

 

Sorry, didn't see the 'super' requirement. Still lots of choices available though

super dot 4 - Google Search

Having said that, I can find no definition of 'super' dot 4 specifications. Many contended that it's a brand name/marketing thing.

 

DOT

Department of Transportaion

Here is the specification:

Standard No. 116; Motor vehicle brake fluids. - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

For 3 and 4 there is no difference other than boiling points. There is no such thing as "super" in the specification.

There is a Ford specification fluid often found on shelves which has a boiling point of 550 degrees fahrenheit. That gives a useful increase in headroom.

The BMW fluid is also quite good, cheap, and comes in nice 1 litre resealable metal cans. A good second choice to Motul when Motul is not available.

 

Jaguar is famous for specifying proprietary products not available universally. They do it under license to help sell the products and getting a break on the factory fill. They care not that you anguish about finding the stuff! DOT 4 is Super DOT 4 as far as brake performance goes. I alternate between pentosin (clear) and ATE racing blue so I can tell its been changed. All DOT 4's have the boiling point and viscosity needed. Not to worry about this one.

 

Well, I am certainly no expert in this area, hence the reason for posting here, looking for feedback from those who have experience. Normally I would just pay the dealer the $300, but I think this is a fairly easy maintenance to perform and since I enjoy working on this car, why not save a few bucks.

Jaguar does specify the exclusive use of Super DOT fluid and there are a handful of manufacturers making the fluid. Checking spec sheets indicates there IS a difference and for the few dollars more, I would rather lean towards the specified fluid. The challenge is that it is not readily available.

I am intrigued by Motul DOT 5.1, found on Amazon. It has the highest specifications I have seen and is indicated as been a long life fluid.

Oldmots - no doubt this frequently seems to be the case, but if using better products prolongs the life and serviceability of the vehicle, why not? I do like your idea for using a different coloured fluid for brake flushes.

And while we are at it, a little controversy. Many indicate that vehicle fluids break down over time due to heat and everyone agrees that brake fluid is hydroscopic, resulting in contamination by moisture. Moisture then contributes to internal corrosion, changing fluid prevents this from happening, of course. But if a brake system is sealed, how does moisture get into the fluid?

 

And there's the proverbial $64K question.......................