Proper Clutch Fluid

[SJBrooks]

Hi all,

 

First-time poster here.  Have owned my '88 Comanche since new, and still drive it every day (177K miles).  MANY years ago, I remember being told the only clutch fluid to use was either factory Mopar or Girling, so I bought a bottle of the Mopar (p/n 04549625).  Though there's still some left, I'm sure it's now not good to use due to age.  That said, I need to buy some new fluid.  What brand/part number is now recommended?

 

Appreciate all replies!

Steve 

[Blue88Comanche]

The Recommended clutch fluid is DOT 3 brake fluid.  However if you replace master cylinder, slave cylinder, and the soft line use DOT 5 brake fluid this way if the master cylinder starts leaking on the fuse box it won't melt anything....

[Eagle]

I use DOT-5 silicone brake fluid.

[SJBrooks]

Does any particular brand seem to have better success?

[cruiser54]

Back then they were using British master cylinders IIRC. Girling. 

 

Since the Brits can never seem to get hydraulics to work and use good soft components, the seals in the master deteriorated. 

Some say because of the wrong fluid used. There was actually another issue. Whatever fluid the factory used reacted with the inside of the soft tube between the cylinders. This created a grit in the system which took out the cylinders' seals. 

 

So, the solution was to always replace both cylinders and the hose. Use modern fluid. 

 

That said, how come you're adding fluid now? Is it quite low? 

Perhaps a leak?