How much DOT 4 do I need to change the brake fluid on my Mk2 Octy, 500ml or 1 litre?

At least 1litre for all 4 corners another 500ml if you do the clutch.

I'd get a couple of litres and do it thoroughly.

This is next on my to-do list. I want to flush the ABS pump too (using VCDS) but I am not sure how much extra fluid it will use if I run the pump as per the procedure for the recommended 30 seconds on each corner? I don't think it is essential to do this but it is recommended, as I understand to avoid leaving old fluid stagnant and festering in the pump. I would be a little sceptical as to how often it is actually done though.

Is it ok to use any DOT 4?

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Polygard-MIS10410-Super-Dot-4-Brake-Clutch-Fluid-5-Litre-/291265241895?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43d0c2e327

I've used Pagid fluid and all seem to be good. And it's cheap.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Skoda_Octavia_2.0_2008/p/car-parts/brakes/brake-hydraulics/brake-fluids/?524770270&1&0b1dc0f9ff5efad0c720d6b209471945b15954ab&000989

DOT 4 is a standard so any brand is fine.

~£5/Lt from most motor factors..

I bought 1.5 litres thinking that's how much I would need. Only used 1 litre... but I think that's because I don't have a clutch to bleed!

 

Also make sure you use a pressure bleeder!

 

Phil

I bought 2 litres & used just over 1 litre,i didnt bleed my clutch though,just the brakes. I used a Ezibleed,it makes it a nice easy job. 

I bought 2 litres & used just over 1 litre,i didnt bleed my clutch though,just the brakes. I used a Ezibleed,it makes it a nice easy job.

Which Eezibleed kit Mike?

The one that works off air preasure from your spare wheel,i paid around £15 for mine. I bought mine from euro car parts,any motor factor or halfords will sell them. 

 

 

 

The one that works off air preasure from your spare wheel,i paid around £15 for mine. I bought mine from euro car parts,any motor factor or halfords will sell them.

ezibleed.jpg

Awesome cheers Mike.

Screwfix do you them if that's more convenient.

I did my break fluid change after 3 years at a Bosch car center, less than 50€

It's preferable to be using an ISO class 6 low viscosity fluid as per VW spec 501.14

 

Something like ATE SL6 or Pentosin Dot4 LV or OEM VW stuff.

 

It helps the ABS react a bit quicker & possibly you'll go through rear brakes a bit slower.

If you don't overheat brakes often by race-style braking. Don't worry about DOT - 3 or 4 is good enough for you. I always used about 500ml but never bled ABS pump. It is cheap so don't worry and buy 2 l ;-)

I would think that it's not a good idea to underspec brake fluid based on how you drive - because when you realise you've under-specced the consequences could be quite disastrous?

 

VW have a spec for brake fluid that relates to both boiling point & viscosity.  The viscosity is quite important as it affects the operation of the ABS pump.  So even if you aren't getting brake fade there are other factors influencing the choice of brake fluid.