Brake fluid for a 2002- 996/911 which type ?

[britdave]

Hi all,

A friend is going to help me change/ flush my brake fluid in my 2002 996/ 911 on Monday. Can any of you advise me on what type of brake fluid to use, does it "have to be" genuine Porsche stuff ? I live many miles from a Porsche dealer so I'm hoping I can get it at NAPA ,Pep Boys ,etc.

Any suggestions would help, in choosing the right type of fluid, also any tips you have in doing the job. Thanks a lot, Britdave.

[Loren]

Spec is DOT 4 ATE Typ 200 (Gold).

That is what I use. Some folks use the Racing Blue version - the specs are the same as the gold version but it tends to dye the brake reservoir.

[britdave]

Spec is DOT 4 ATE Typ 200 (Gold).

That is what I use. Some folks use the Racing Blue version - the specs are the same as the gold version but it tends to dye the brake reservoir.

Thanks Loren,is that easy to find /get ? Also I heard it's a good idea to use the blue,and alternate so you can see the different color ? If all it does is dye the brake reservoir is that ok ? Thanks DC

[Loren]

Check your local parts stores where you live. If not there Automotion.com, Amazon.com, and tirerack.com all have it.

Both have equal specs so if you are okay with the dye then go ahead.

[britdave]

Check your local parts stores where you live. If not there Automotion.com, Amazon.com, and tirerack.com all have it.

Both have equal specs so if you are okay with the dye then go ahead.

Great , thanks a lot !

[xmac]

I've used Autohausaz.com for years and they carry both. On another car, I used to switch between the two so you could tell by the color change that you flushed the entire line. However, as Loren says, it did dye the reservoir, lines, and calipers which after a while made it difficult to tell. I would just stick with the Typ 200:

AutohausAZ.com

[britdave]

I posted this some time ago, ref the brake fluid change, and bought some " Johnsen's Premium DOT 4 brake fluid " from my local NAPA store,is this ok to use,or can you recommend another ? Also, how much do I need to do a complete flush ? The stuff above is 32 oz (one quart) would this be enough, and should I use this type ? Thanks for any info,or videos on how to do this,and what to use ? Cheers Dave.

Almost forgot, quite a few guys told me NOT to use the "synthetic type" brake fluid,any thoughts on this, what does Porsche recommend,and do they make "official" Porsche brake fluid ? Thanks

Edited October 23, 2012 by britdave

[Loren]

Porsche uses ATE Typ 200 Gold. Some use ATE Blue. Both have the exact same ratings.

Unless you track your car often these are fine. About $15 for 1 liter - which is what you will need.

I like to stick with the factory brake fluid as you will never flush it all unless you use a PST2, PIWIS. or Durametric to open/run the ABS system. And then it will likely take two complete flushes.

[britdave]

Thanks Loren,

Where can I get this ( " ATE type 200 Gold " ) from besides a Porsche dealer ? And what about the synthetic stuff , yay or ney ?

Dave.

[Loren]

IMHO there is no need for synthetic unless you spend most of your time at the track.

Many import auto stores carry ATE type 200 Gold or online try:

http://www.paragon-products.com/ATE-Brake-Fluid-p/ate_gold.htm

and many others...

[britdave]

Thank you !