MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
I'm about to flush and refill the fluid in the brake system.I was hoping to use the Castrol Lma dot4 but it seems to be unavailable in the U.k.The only Castrol brake fluid on sale is motorbike Dot4 does anyone know if that would be suitable for automobile use.Would I be better to go with whatever auto fluid that's available.Thanks in advance
The DOT number is the only thing you need be concerned about when choosing brake fluid. The brand name doesn't matter and I have always contended that the letters LMA On Castrol fluid was no more than a sales gimmick. The DOT number controls what is in the fluid and any change in the formula would deviate from the specifications of that particular DOT number designation, no matter which side of the big pond you are on.
but DOT is a US agency (Department of Transportation) and how/why someone would sell US spec'd stuff overseas when there must be equivalent specs there....
I thought in the UK Girling(SP???) was available? Factory preferred.
"The DOT number is the only thing you need be concerned about when choosing brake fluid. The brand name doesn't matter and I have always contended that the letters LMA On Castrol fluid was no more than a sales gimmick."
DOT 4 by definition is LMA and applies equally to all brands. The real sales gimmick was Castrol putting the word synthetic on there bottles (show me the spring where one gets natural brake fluid).
"but DOT is a US agency (Department of Transportation) and how/why someone would sell US spec'd stuff overseas when there must be equivalent specs there...."
That is true, but if they are going to sell their brake fluid over here, it has to meet the DOT specification and will have it somewhere on the packaging.
Cheers,
I'd suggest that "Motorbike DOT 4" is marketing hyperbole. Brake fluid is brake fluid (and DOT by any other name is Dorothy! ;))
Now, there is a distinction between motor oil approved for automotive use and that which is recommended for use in motorcycles (I won't bore you with the details, but things such as friction modifiers and wet clutches are involved.) Concerning brake fluid, however, no such disctinction exists. If your two- or four-wheeled vehicle requires, e.g., DOT 3 brake fluid, then any well known brand of DOT 3-rated fluid will be suited for use in either conveyance.
-Jim
Many thanks for the advice all who replied the information was very useful and much appreciated.
