Clutch Fluid? What type, DOT 3?
 

How come the manual for my 2007 doesn't tell me what kind of fluid to put in for the clutch? It likes telling me to bounce to page 348, and then 33x, and whatever, but nowhere does it tell me the type of fluid to put in there.

Does it take DOT 3? If I'm going to do a full flush...

Dot 4 :thumbs:

The cap on my brake fluid container says DOT 3. My DOT 3 is 501F, DOT 4 was only like 10F more, so I didn't see the point. So just like my other car, same fluid as the brakes, in the clutch system. Excellent!

While I'm at it, to flush the system, because it has ABS, does the procedure change? Push brake pedal, open bleed valve, close bleed valve, let go of brake pedal. Repeat.

I'm doing searches on the forums for what best tranny oil to use too, I can't find it. There are tons that say when or to actually change it, but no recommendation on what brand has been proven best on the C6 tranny.

I sort of miss the simplicity of the Miata forums... there was a garage section with all the how to's and proven fluids to use. Maybe I just can't see it on the corvette forum?

Here's the info you need to swap clutch fluid:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...-and-cure.html

Bob :flag:

Excellent, thanks.

There needs to be a maintenance section where we could click on links that would give us up to date info on fluids best for models as well as how to's for many maintenance things.

Pick up a bottle of Prestone DOT 4 brake fluid at Walmart. They also have a neat syringe located in the two cycle engine oil area that works well. Run the full bottle through the system. Never use brake fluid that has been opened and been on the shelf for any length of time(even with the cap replaced).

Don't know about an 07 but I just changed the clutch fluid in my '09 Z06. Section 6-12 of the owners manual states to use "Hydraulic Clutch Fluid. Use only GM Part No. U.S. 8958860, in Canada 88901244, Super DOT-4 brake fluid." When you buy part #8958860 it says on the can Super DOT-4 Brake and Clutch Fluid. That being said the parts guy at the dealer had not heard of Super DOT-4 until he saw the can. He said they always used DOT-4. All parts houses I called also did not have a Super DOT-4. Keep in mind the top of the brake fluid filler on the 09 has DOT-3 stamped on it. Don't see how you can go wrong with the DOT-4. Super DOT-4 is about $10 for a 12.5 oz can at the dealership which is enough to change the fluid in the reservoir 3 times using the Ranger method with fluid left in the can.

The Prestone DOT 4 is a synthetic with a 311 degree wet boiling temp and a 510 degree dry boiling temp. Do you know the temps for the Super DOT 4 you are using?

Gives no temp indication on the can will have to research that one. BTW it's a 8.45 oz. can not 12.5 oz.

Yup, DOT 4:cheers:

From what I could find out, there is a Federal spec for DOT 4. Minimum wet temp is 311* and minimum dry temp is 446*. There is no such thing as Federal Spec for Super DOT 4, It is a marketing term, not a spec.

So, both a DOT4 and a Super DOT 4 could both be identical in minimum temps.

For clutch fluid I have been using GM Super DOT-4 #88958860 on my '11. Keeping it super clean per Ranger method. Will check Prestone.

Tremec tech told me Mobil 1 ATF? I'm about to do it myself. Their contact info is here: http://www.tremec.com/.

Take a look at these StopTech bulletins. Scroll down and click on "BRAKE FLUID 1A" to read most of what you need to know about brake fluids:

http://stoptech.com/technical-suppor...l-white-papers

You'll see that "Super DOT 4" is also called "DOT 4 Plus" and "DOT 5.1". Those are all glycol ether/borate esther formulations like DOT 3, but they meet the specs for DOT 5 (the silicone stuff that should NEVER be used in your Vette brake system!!:nonod:).

Bob :flag:

A lot of info here:
http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html

Hey Bob, for the clutch system, is there anything to be gained using the Super DOT 4 over the Prestone DOT 4 fluid? I've been flushing my clutch system(ranger method) every 6 months, or so. I plan to flush it again just before I drive down to Daytona for the HOD event Dec 2.

Looking at Ranger's site,

• Hard
• Soft
• Slow to return or lazy
• Hung mid-way up or
• Stuck to the floor

most of those problems could be better cured by the little blue pill instead of a fluid change.

:rofl: Yeah, I think you're right!!!!

I use Prestone DOT 4 in my clutch, and I run Motul RBF 600 in my brakes.

I use Prestone because it's so cheap, readily available, and works great for me. I just got back from a 2-day track event. The weather was very hot, and both the clutch and brakes worked great!!

Bob :flag:

I too spent an enormous amount of time trying to figure out what the heck the "super" in DOT4 was. I gave up and decided it was easier to spend a few bucks extra and buy a can from the local dealer for $10.

And yes, the can says "Super" DOT4 and the parts guy had no idea what he had it in stock for.

For the brakes, I wish I could readily find SuperBlue around here... Canadian Tire needs to get this in all their stores.

The Tremec guy is talking about the fluid in the trans not the hydraulic fluid in the clutch actuator system....they are completely different with different purposes...and the clutch system doesn't have any real bearing on the trans anyway. I have used the Prestone DOT4 from Walmart for $3 for my clutch and brakes and it works very well. You can always go up to DOT4 for the brakes, you just shouldn't go down from Dot4 to Dot3 for the clutch.:thumbs:

PS....thanks for the info on the Mobil 1 ATF...I was going to call them and ask before I change the trans fluid.:thumbs: