Brake problem
Just drove our old 2001 Winnebago Brave that has 32,xxx miles on it from N.C. Iowa to Kalispell, Mt. about 1400 miles. Every thing worked great until I pulled into the campground we had reservations a...
Forum Discussion
It doaesn't take much heat to boil DOT 3 brake fluid when it becomes satureated with water. Dot# 3 is the original brake fluid installed on your 2001 chassis. The dry boiling point is 401*F or 205*C. When it becomes saturated (4% water) the boiling point is lowered to 284*F or 140*C. Remember when you step on the brakes you're changing the energy of inertia to heat.
Most motorhomes today come with either DOT 4 or Dot 5.1 brake fluid. The DOT 4 has a dry boiling point of 230*C or 446*F and a wet boiling point of 155C or 311*F. In most cases vehicles that were originally equpiied with DOT 3 fluid can be changed to DOT 4. It's not advisable to mix them, but when the system is flushed DOT 4 can be used to replace the DOT 3.
The most recent fluid used is DOT 5.1. This fluid has a dry boiling point of 270*C or 518*F, and a wet boiling point of 190*C or 374*F. Unfortunately in most cases it cannot be used to replace either DOT 3 or DOT4. It is not compatible with the rubber parts in the system.
To further confuse things there is also DOT 5.0 fluid in the market. It is a silicone based fluid primarily used in racing and aircraft applications. It does not absorbe water like the other styles therefore has limited long term use. Since it does not absorb water any water in the system will gravitate to the lowest point. In cold weather it can freeze and block the flow to the calipers. If left too long in the system it can cause the lines to rust through.
This fluid is also not compatible with the rubber parts in most production vehicles. In systems where it is used it needs to be changed on a regular basis to avoid the fore mentioned problems.
Most motorhomes today come with either DOT 4 or Dot 5.1 brake fluid. The DOT 4 has a dry boiling point of 230*C or 446*F and a wet boiling point of 155C or 311*F. In most cases vehicles that were originally equpiied with DOT 3 fluid can be changed to DOT 4. It's not advisable to mix them, but when the system is flushed DOT 4 can be used to replace the DOT 3.
The most recent fluid used is DOT 5.1. This fluid has a dry boiling point of 270*C or 518*F, and a wet boiling point of 190*C or 374*F. Unfortunately in most cases it cannot be used to replace either DOT 3 or DOT4. It is not compatible with the rubber parts in the system.
To further confuse things there is also DOT 5.0 fluid in the market. It is a silicone based fluid primarily used in racing and aircraft applications. It does not absorbe water like the other styles therefore has limited long term use. Since it does not absorb water any water in the system will gravitate to the lowest point. In cold weather it can freeze and block the flow to the calipers. If left too long in the system it can cause the lines to rust through.
This fluid is also not compatible with the rubber parts in most production vehicles. In systems where it is used it needs to be changed on a regular basis to avoid the fore mentioned problems.
