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I am in the late stage of restoring a 54TR-2 Long Door. The brake system is all new, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, clutch slave cylinder. The steel lines were good, flushed good before re-installing. I have heard the pro's and con's of using DOT 5. Any suggestions, guys?
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TR2/3/3A Dot 5
- Thread starter Redoakboo
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Should go with DOT5. With all new braking system, one of the "cons" is eliminated as there is little to no chance of mixing fluids. DOT5 does better for vehicles stored for periods of time, and of course won't melt paint. I have had it in my Doretti and TR2 for years and no problems, both have firm pedals. Let the debate begin!
Dan
Dan
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After I saw the mess that occurred over the years in the paint beneath the reservoir, I went with DOT 5!
Before:
View attachment 62977
and after:
View attachment 62978
Attachments
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I've been using DOT5 in my TR3 for 5 or 6 years. I have seen no "cons". The main "con" of DOT3 is that a paint sprayer is hard to get into the engine box when the fluid damages your paint, which it surely eventually will.
Bob
Bob
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I've had DOT5 in my bugeye for about 30 years and still good (maybe time for a bleed and refill while I've got some spare time) Great stuff. Only disadvantage is a slightly spongier brake pedal than DOT 3 or 4, but nothing ridiculous.
TR3driver
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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FWIW, you can partially compensate for the soft pedal by converting to the braided stainless brake hoses. They swell less under pressure than the originals.
I've lost track of just how long I've been using DOT 5, got to be around 35 years. I really like it and recommend it; unless you want to be absolutely original and have brake problems every year. That's one part of the "Triumph experience" that I'm glad to miss out on!
I've lost track of just how long I've been using DOT 5, got to be around 35 years. I really like it and recommend it; unless you want to be absolutely original and have brake problems every year. That's one part of the "Triumph experience" that I'm glad to miss out on!
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I have posted this before, I have used DOT 5 for years, and have fewer leaks in the hydraulics, which used to be a more regular occurrence. No problem with mushy pedal or blessing. However after about 8 years I had a brake master cylinder fail. It wasn't the rubber, when I took it apart there was a line of corrosion straight down the bottoms of the bore.
DOT5 doesn't absorb water, it sinks to the bottom of the mix. My fault for not flushing often enough, and I still use it, but in my mind that is the real issue with DOT5.
DOT5 doesn't absorb water, it sinks to the bottom of the mix. My fault for not flushing often enough, and I still use it, but in my mind that is the real issue with DOT5.