Brake fluid compatibility - can I mix OEM with Prestone DOT 4 synthetic?

[Partzman23]

I am ready to change the brake fluid on my 17 RTL and I need to
know if I can flush out the original brake fluid OEM with Prestone
Dot 4 synthetic brake fluid. I don’t know if it is okay to mix these two
in the brake system. Any help and information would be greatly
appreciated. TIA
Artie

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Artie…DOT 4 is DOT 4 is DOT 4. ALL brake fluid is “synthetic”. Yes, brake fluid is hydraulic fluid, but brake fluid is glycol based and not mineral oil based. The brake fluid in your machine is glycol based DOT 4. Prestone added that word “synthetic” years ago for marketing. What you can’t do, is mix DOT 4 with DOT 5. DOT 5 is silicon based. Use the Prestone DOT 4. No problems.

 

[Partzman23]

:clap::gaah::clap:Thank you Snowbelt Spyder, that is what I needed to know. I just didn’t want to cause a major problem
with the braking system. The nearest dealer to me is a 2 hr trip. Now I can do the brake fluid change with confidence. You have saved the day!

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

You are definitely not the first to wonder about this. Hoping that you will be using Speed Bleeders. Makes this job just too easy. Even a cave man could do if. Also, DO NOT have the ignition on while doing this. That will trigger that stupid brake failure error, that has to be reset using that series of steps I’m sure you’ve read about on here. Only turn on the key until you’re all done, fluid topped off, and pedal pumped up.

 

[Partzman23]

Yes I have bought the Speedbleeders for the front and back ,yet to be installed.
Thanks also for tips on doing the job correctly. I have done my research on changing
the brake fluid but could not find anything about the compatibility of the OEM fluid
with the Dot 4 synthetic I bought. Maybe this thread will help someone else in the
future. That is what this forum is all about helping each other when you can.

 

[BajaRon]

Artie…DOT 4 is DOT 4 is DOT 4. ALL brake fluid is “synthetic”. Yes, brake fluid is hydraulic fluid, but brake fluid is glycol based and not mineral oil based. The brake fluid in your machine is glycol based DOT 4. Prestone added that word “synthetic” years ago for marketing. What you can’t do, is mix DOT 4 with DOT 5. DOT 5 is silicon based. Use the Prestone DOT 4. No problems.

What he said...

You can also use DOT 3 in a pinch. But DOT 4 is better and should always be used, unless you just can't.

 

[PW2013STL]

Just did both my wife's 2021 RT and my 2020 RT.
What I use was https://www.harborfreight.com/brake-fluid-bleeder-92924.html.
Interesting that the 2021 oem fluid was the same color as the 2020. Looked like coffee.

 

[Partzman23]

Thanks again every one that posted a reply to my OP. I was able to get the Speedbleeders installed and the brake fluid flushed without any problems.
I made sure to not turn on the key until I had everything back together and brake reservoir filled and closed and then pumped the brakes several times.
We took the Spyder for a ryde about 80 miles total and never had the brake light or warning come on. All is good!:clap::yes:

 

[Little Blue]

Speed Bleeders

Thanks again every one that posted a reply to my OP. I was able to get the Speedbleeders installed and the brake fluid flushed without any problems.
I made sure to not turn on the key until I had everything back together and brake reservoir filled and closed and then pumped the brakes several times.
We took the Spyder for a ryde about 80 miles total and never had the brake light or warning come on. All is good!:clap::yes:

Any chance of getting the part numbers for the Speed Bleeders?
Where did you purchased your 'Speed Bleeders'?
TIA .........:thumbup:

 

[EdMat]

Any chance of getting the part numbers for the Speed Bleeders?
Where did you purchased your 'Speed Bleeders'?
TIA .........:thumbup:

Here's the part listing on their website Blue. http://speedbleeder.com/bikechart.htm

 

[RayBJ]

I've been told that DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid is also compatible with DOT 4. Is that correct?

 

[PW2013STL]

I've been told that DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid is also compatible with DOT 4. Is that correct?

Since DOT 4 and 5.1 are both glycol-based brake fluids they are compatible with each other, which means they can be readily mixed without harming your brake system. It is important never to mistake DOT 5.1 (glycol-based) with DOT 5 which is silicone-based and should never be mixed with any other DOT fluid

 

[FrogmanDave]

Just did both my wife's 2021 RT and my 2020 RT.
What I use was https://www.harborfreight.com/brake-fluid-bleeder-92924.html.
Interesting that the 2021 oem fluid was the same color as the 2020. Looked like coffee.

I've got that Harbor Freight tool as well. This works better and is way easier than all the rest https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0143

I am curious to know why brake fluid looks like coffee when new?

 

[PW2013STL]

I've got that Harbor Freight tool as well. This works better and is way easier than all the rest https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0143

I am curious to know why brake fluid looks like coffee when new?

It doesn't when new. It turns that color with contamination. I was surprised that my 2 year old fluid was the same color as the 1 year old. I was expecting it to be darker. When I did our 2014 RT after 3 years it was black.

 

[FrogmanDave]

It doesn't when new. It turns that color with contamination. I was surprised that my 2 year old fluid was the same color as the 1 year old. I was expecting it to be darker. When I did our 2014 RT after 3 years it was black.

My bad. I misunderstood what you were saying. I thought you meant the new fluid was dark to start with. I'm tracking with you now.

 

[Partzman23]

Any chance of getting the part numbers for the Speed Bleeders?
Where did you purchased your 'Speed Bleeders'?
TIA .........:thumbup:

Part number SB6100 for the front and rear, bought from Speedbleeders.com website, also ordered the tubing from them to drain fluid into jar

 

[PW2013STL]

I've got that Harbor Freight tool as well. This works better and is way easier than all the rest https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0143

I am curious to know why brake fluid looks like coffee when new?

I like the harbor freight one as it doesn't require the brake pedal to be depressed while bleeding.