Brake fluid (for Landcruisers etc)

Member - Allan F (Gold Coast) replied:

Hi Charles, If Dot 3 is specified then it is best to use Dot 3. Dot 4 is not a better or updated brake fluid it, it has different additives to be used in the systems it was designed for.
I am a mechanic with 37 years experience and have discussed with with oil company people and yes the different fluids are compatible with different brake system components.
Hope this helps cheers Allan Thumbs UpThanks 0

Member - Toyocrusa (NSW) replied:

G'day Charles. I too am a mechanic with similar years in the industry. I use Penerite Dot 4 in all Toyotas but only because Penrite garrantee their product is compatable with the Toyota brake systems. If Castrol will give you the same garrantee then all will be OK but I would seek their assurance first. Regards,Bob. Thumbs UpThanks 0

Member - lyndon NT replied:

My Toyota Manual says Dot 3 Thumbs UpThanks 0

Member - Leigh (Vic) replied:

I reckon a quick call to the local toyota dealer should give you confirmation. The consequences of a wrong choice I believe could be risky and even costly (if you survive the subsequent brake failure). Cheers Thumbs UpThanks 0

Glenndini replied:

If it says use DOT3, you can readily obtain DOT 3, there is no benefit from using anything other than DOT 3 and you risk having a brake failure if you don't use DOT 3, why would you choose not to use DOT 3?

Do you put unleaded in your 1HDT? Thumbs UpThanks 0

Member - Phil G (SA) replied:

The seals can swell if you use DOT 4. Doesn't happen immediately, so people don't associate the problem with a fluid change.
I buy mine from Toyota - only costs me $10 a bottle - very cheap insurance.
Have you read this article?
Thumbs UpThanks 0

Peter Horne [Krakka] replied:

Yep, I use Dot 3 too, as Phil said, it is easy to buy and you have the correct fluid. Thumbs UpThanks 0

mechpete replied:

why don,t you ring the toyota dealership .or the owners handbook
don,t you think they would know
mechpete Thumbs UpThanks 0

Charles Jenkinson replied:

Thanks everyone for your replies. I was at the Toyota dealer purchasing oil filter/fuel filter etc today, so picked up some factory genuine DOT 3 at the same time. Will see if the DOT 4 is useful for one of the other vehicles lying around here, or just take it back for a refund.

I rang Castrol, who advised me to use a different product for my Toyota (apparently all Toyotas including sedans use DOT 3 - even current release).

I'm with several members here - I do not trust what the salesperson at Toyota says on face value alone. There is a lot to be said from choosing your solutions from the collective opinions of a group with considerable background and experience.

With these issues, I think that discussion and debate is worthwhile - the manual for the 1HD-T was written two whole decades ago. Many of the specifications/recommendations may have been superceded with better products - ie: asbestos brake pads for one example. Never hurts to check what other people are doing!

Just re-packing wheel bearings today - probably a little overdue. The brake fluid will come in handy when I reconnect the brake lines tomorrow! (After a trip to find a 54mm socket or other appropriate tool for tensioning the pressure and lock nuts...)

Once again, I really appreciate your help! It's great that we have such a constructive forum to sound ideas/questions off.

Charles

_______________________________
Charles Jenkinson
Perth, Western Australia

Gracie "The Grey Ghost"
1991 Toyota Landcruiser GXL (HDJ80R)
4.2L 1HD-T Turbo Diesel
358,864 km and counting! Thumbs UpThanks 0

Cruiser 2091 replied:

Quoted from Castrol "Castrol Response Dot 4. Reccommended for use in all cars and light comercial vehicles that require a Dot 3 or Dot 4 product and operate under everyday driving conditions. Suitable for both disc and drum brakes, including modern vehicles fitted with ABS" Thumbs UpThanks 0

Member - John B2 (VIC) replied:

Castrol website recommends Dot3

Do a search in their Lube Guide
http://www.datateck.com.au/lube/castr_au/default.asp

VALVOLINE TechTalk PDF
Brake Fluids
If you are working on Toyota’s make sure that
you use the right kind of fluid. Toyota specifies
a DOT 3 brake fluid for use in their brake systems.
Valvoline’s Heavy Duty DOT 3 Brake Fluid is
suitable for use in Toyota’s ABS brake systems
and provides a minimum boiling point of 260°C.
Consider that the standard minimum boiling point
of the Australian/NZ DOT 3 specification is 230°C,
and our Super DOT 3 more than meets the
task. Valvoline Heavy Duty Brake Fluid has
been dyed

Cheers,
John Thumbs UpThanks 0