ATE Super Blue
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 9,210
Likes: 7
From: WA
I have used both the Valvoline and the ATE (usually $9.98 a liter) and have not experienced trouble with either one.
The most common cause of spongy brakes is a bit of air. I can tell you that I have not found any speedbleeder that is reliable for extended use (could that be your problem?). It seems to me that all of them leak a tiny bit of air around the mounting threads because they loosen up after the first use. I have gone back to two person brake bleeding even with speedbleeders.
Frankly I have seen no difference in the performance of fluid once I got rid of the Honda DOT3 stuff.
The most common cause of spongy brakes is a bit of air. I can tell you that I have not found any speedbleeder that is reliable for extended use (could that be your problem?). It seems to me that all of them leak a tiny bit of air around the mounting threads because they loosen up after the first use. I have gone back to two person brake bleeding even with speedbleeders.
Frankly I have seen no difference in the performance of fluid once I got rid of the Honda DOT3 stuff.
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
From: Campbell
I ran ATE in my VR6 Jetta and had no problems with it. I would run it again. The Super Blue/ Super Gold combination is very usefull for knowing when a flush is completed. Price was around the $10-12 range. I was also running the ATE brake rotors, I was pleased with the quality of their products. Damn I miss that car, too bad it had the reliability of a camel with diarrhea . 
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 1
From: Fort Worth
For those who asked, I forgot to mention: I have never run speedbleeders. I would like to do something with Honda's bleed screws, as they are very loose. Has anyone tried teflon tape? I'm not sure if the fluid would eat it up.
Again, I can't say my problem wasn't air in the lines, but I was very careful bleeding and bled at least 2 liters of ATE through before changing fluid. Maybe I just needed to run 3 liters through, but I doubt I had that much air.
All things considered, Valvoline works well for me, doing the racing I think most of us do here. It's cheap and available.
UCrazyKid, that's one of the best quotes I've heard in a while!
Again, I can't say my problem wasn't air in the lines, but I was very careful bleeding and bled at least 2 liters of ATE through before changing fluid. Maybe I just needed to run 3 liters through, but I doubt I had that much air.
All things considered, Valvoline works well for me, doing the racing I think most of us do here. It's cheap and available.
UCrazyKid, that's one of the best quotes I've heard in a while!
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: CA
cdelena:
This bleeder works nicely with no need for a second person. You first connect the tank containing brake fluid to the car's fluid reservoir and then pressurize the tank with a hand pump. Then you bleed each caliper normally as new fluid is forced into the system from the pressurized tank.
This bleeder works nicely with no need for a second person. You first connect the tank containing brake fluid to the car's fluid reservoir and then pressurize the tank with a hand pump. Then you bleed each caliper normally as new fluid is forced into the system from the pressurized tank.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,323
Likes: 28
From: Longmont, CO
This event, I ran Valvoline fluid and R4S pads. I didn't experience any fade during the sessions, and my brake pedal is nicely firm right now.
During previous events, running Valvoline fluid and stock pads, I got a good bit of fade, plus the pedal was woefully mushy for several days after.
I like ATE because of the blue/gold combo, but I don't see a need to replace the Valvoline because of any performance issues.
During previous events, running Valvoline fluid and stock pads, I got a good bit of fade, plus the pedal was woefully mushy for several days after.
I like ATE because of the blue/gold combo, but I don't see a need to replace the Valvoline because of any performance issues.
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: TO
Originally posted by cdelena
I have used both the Valvoline and the ATE (usually $9.98 a liter) and have not experienced trouble with either one.
The most common cause of spongy brakes is a bit of air. I can tell you that I have not found any speedbleeder that is reliable for extended use (could that be your problem?). It seems to me that all of them leak a tiny bit of air around the mounting threads because they loosen up after the first use. I have gone back to two person brake bleeding even with speedbleeders.
Frankly I have seen no difference in the performance of fluid once I got rid of the Honda DOT3 stuff.
I have used both the Valvoline and the ATE (usually $9.98 a liter) and have not experienced trouble with either one.
The most common cause of spongy brakes is a bit of air. I can tell you that I have not found any speedbleeder that is reliable for extended use (could that be your problem?). It seems to me that all of them leak a tiny bit of air around the mounting threads because they loosen up after the first use. I have gone back to two person brake bleeding even with speedbleeders.
Frankly I have seen no difference in the performance of fluid once I got rid of the Honda DOT3 stuff.
I was told that if you do bleed you system often, it is better to buy the thread sealant to seal the air out....
what do you think?
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 721
Likes: 0
From: -
I get Ate from the local porsche shop. I also think it's OEM for BMW's so you might get it at a BMW dealership.
If you can't find it locally, OG Racing has either the Blue or Gold for $9.95 a liter. http://www.ogracing.com/ogshell/loadpage.p...31+catbrak.html
I highly recommend speed bleeders and have never had a problem with them. You get get them directly from the manufacturer at http://www.speedbleeder.com/
They also sell a bleeding hose that's the right size, it's only a few bucks and well worth it. http://www.speedbleeder.com/News.htm I don't have their new bleeder bag but it looks well worth it.
If you can't find it locally, OG Racing has either the Blue or Gold for $9.95 a liter. http://www.ogracing.com/ogshell/loadpage.p...31+catbrak.html
I highly recommend speed bleeders and have never had a problem with them. You get get them directly from the manufacturer at http://www.speedbleeder.com/
They also sell a bleeding hose that's the right size, it's only a few bucks and well worth it. http://www.speedbleeder.com/News.htm I don't have their new bleeder bag but it looks well worth it.
