spesrf25

Every since i changed my clutch, i have used sythetic brake fluid in my clutch, and the engagment has been rough every since, not to mention slippage on launches and in 1st gear. Do you think that could be the cause? After reading through technical forums, i'm thinking it could be a factor.

hackmac87

not totally sure but i douht its the fluid, unless is the wrong kind or not compatible. most slippage is clamping force/hard spot related and rough engaugement is more plate and disc related. unless something is leaking at one point in the travel of the master or slave cylinder.such as a bur one the wall or a dished area causing some leak by. can we get a detailed description of a typical engaugement. i know its hard but it would really help me and you.

xviper

You should be using DOT 3 or 4 fluid for both the brakes and the clutch.
DOT 5 is a silicone based fluid and is NOT compatible with our cars. This fluid may have damaged some seals already. Just because it's synthetic does not mean it's good for this car. DOT 5.1 (non-silicone based) is OK, but it's still better to stick with 3 or 4.

Have a look here:
http://www.stealth316.com/2-brakefluid.htm

spesrf25

It's not that bad during a normal take-off in 1st, but it can be grabby at times (like a shudder during engagement), and like i said, i get wheel hop during launches.

spesrf25

Well, I changed the brake fluid to regular DOT 3 today. I flushed it for a while to make sure i had all of the DOT 5 Synthetic out. The clutch does feel better, and I found an empty street on the way home to do a launch. It just finished raining, but the pavement was half wet and half dry (sun came out and it was drying up). I had no more wheel hop, so maybe it fixed the problem. I'll update if anyone is interested in how it is doing in a week or so. I guess the lesson here is, listen to your HELMs manual.

CaptainMike

I just hope you didn't do any damage to any of the seals, etc..DOT 5 is completely different than DOT 3, 4, or 5.1... But hopefully it isn't TOO harmful for our systems, just incompatible... you didn't put any in your brake system I hope.
Best of luck!
Mike