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Post by ashley on Oct 19, 2007 10:36:27 GMT -5
I'm going to have to bleed my brakes on my People 250, because I can touch the handlebar with my rear brake lever before they lock. the pads are good and there is no leak of fluid, so I'm just going to try bleeding and see if that helps. My question was; The bike says to use DOT4 fluid, but I've already got a can of DOT3 at the house. Is there much of a difference between these two or should I not use it? Just didn't know if it would hurt anything...thanks!
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Post by mafunsalow on Oct 19, 2007 11:11:44 GMT -5
The DOT 3 and Dot 4 have different boil temperatures. I'm not sure of the actual temps off the top of my head. As a rule you can put a higher dot in a lower dot, but not vice versa. If your brake system is calling for the DOT 4 I would guess its because of the temp your brakes get when in use. So I would stick with the DOT4. By using the lower you would more than likely burn your pads and rotors out much quicker.
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Post by monty57 on Oct 19, 2007 13:50:37 GMT -5
Yep, that's a fact you can replace 3 with 4 but not the other way around.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 19, 2007 14:05:49 GMT -5
Ashley;
DOT 4 is the way to go. Brake fluid is not very expensive and if that can has been around for some time, it may have absorbed water, which is harmful to a sealed brake system. As Mafunsalow said, DOT 4 does have a higher boiling point and was formulated for disc brakes. It is also a full synthetic (not a silicone fluid) brake fluid. As indicated above, you can add DOT 4 to a system already containing DOT 3. IIFC, DOT 4 also offers better corrosion protection for internal brake system parts. No telling what is really in that system, especially if it is Chinese, so I would flush w/DOT 4. As you flush/exchange, don't let the reservoir empty or it could suck air and cause problems with getting that air out of the system.
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Post by ashley on Oct 19, 2007 14:24:36 GMT -5
Wow, didn't realize how much a difference it would make. My dad has always given me advice such as, "Transmission fluid is the same as power steering fluid", and he would be so cheap as to put either in either one if it meant he didn't have to go out and buy a can of whatever he didn't have, lol. Thanks for the advice, and does the brake lever problem I have sound like it just needs a bleeding?
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Post by Javarod on Oct 19, 2007 14:34:07 GMT -5
Don't worry about the fluid in there, Kymco's a quality Taiwan product, and ifn it claims DOT 4, it has it. As to the brake lever problem, I would suggest having your dealer (if its under warranty and you want to keep it) check the rear break, I think the rear is a drum, and not self adjusting, so the shoe is likely worn a bit and needs adjusting.
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Post by ashley on Oct 19, 2007 17:03:16 GMT -5
No it has discs on front and back, with no adjustments. Caliper looks good and the pads are still in good condition. I think it's just been an air pocket in the system...
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Post by fulltimerart on Oct 19, 2007 17:36:32 GMT -5
 The caliper could be hanging up on its mounting bolts/pins causing the pads to have to travel further. Art
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 19, 2007 19:09:41 GMT -5
Sorry, missed the KYMCO brand part. Most likely is DOT 4 fluid in there. Like Javarod said, if it is still under warranty, don't mess with it unless getting to the dealer is really inconvenient. You paid for the warranty coverage!
Some manufacturers did recommend using ATF in the power steering pump. GM did on my GMC motor home but later changed it's recommendation. The two fluids are not formulated the same. ATF has friction inducing additives, not so with power steering fluid.
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Post by guyruss on Oct 19, 2007 19:50:56 GMT -5
use the DOT#4. mufansalow is absolutely correct.
Russ
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Post by ashley on Oct 22, 2007 11:25:53 GMT -5
Well I bled the brakes and put Dot 4 back in, and it feels like new. There must've been just an air pocket in the line somewhere. And the warranty on the bike ran out this month. I don't mind doing small jobs like this if it means I learn how to do it again in the future if another problem arises.
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Post by T W I S T E R on Oct 22, 2007 16:42:58 GMT -5
the difference is (1).
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 22, 2007 18:18:57 GMT -5
Ashely;
Great news and that is the best attitude to have. You will be much better off for learning about maintaining your scoot. Helps you to keep it running properly, saves money when you do the service and reduces chances that you will get ripped off when you have to take it to a dealer because you will know something about it.
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The caliper could be hanging up on its mounting bolts/pins causing the pads to have to travel further. Art