Re: 85 XJ-S : Brake Fluid Question

[Randy Wilson <randy@taylor.infi.net>]

>Recently, while discussing my brakes with a jag "specialist" mechanic he
>indicated that the only type of brake fluid that I should be putting into
>the system is "Castrol Girling" fluid.  According to him any other
>manufacturer's fluid will lead to the early demise of seals and/or hoses.
>
>Is this in fact true?  I thought that as long as the fluid was Dot 3 spec it
>would be OK.  I am planning to bleed my brake system shortly and would
>appreciate input.  Thanks in advance.


Like the Lucas reputation, this chunk of "wisdom" will not die. But at
least this one has it's roots in truth. *Old* Girling and Lockheed 
systems supposedly did not get along with typical "american" DOT3
fluids. The rubber (supposedly natural) turned to mush and swelled.
If this was ever true, and I do believe it was, it went away in the early 
70's. I've known many MG's, Truimph's, and Jag's from the 70's and 80's
that got fed the cheapest shit-of-a-fluid availble with no obvious ill
effects.

However, Castrol LMA Dot4 fluid is reasonably priced, available virtually
everywhere, and "the right stuff". It's all I've used in any car (except
a few of the faster race cars) for the last twenty years.



>
>Rob W-M
>85 XJ-S
>


   Randy K. Wilson
     randy@taylor.infi.net

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Follow-Ups:

• Another Brake Fluid Question
• From: "Jim Cantrell" <jimc@sysdiv.sdl.USU.edu>
• Re: 85 XJ-S : Brake Fluid Question
• From: Mike Cogswell <mcogswel@mnsinc.com>
• DOT 3 or DOT 4? That is the question...
• From: Greg Meboe <meboe@scs.wsu.edu>

References:

• 85 XJ-S : Brake Fluid Question
• From: ee84287@goodnet.com (Weiss-Malik)

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