I just called Motul France again and spoke to the tech rep. This write up is based on my talks with him. I am still waiting to hear from the Canadian rep.
This time I went further with him in the details and I we also talked about the 5.1 fluid.
OK I told him to pull out everything technical on their brake fluids and he got his book with what fluids are approved with which car manufacturers. I asked him to look up Audi then the A4 model.
I will include all the brake fluids made by Motul and all the norms and standards under which each and everyone of their fluids are certified. So read on.
First of all he tells me that when a norm is met, like the DOT 4 norm, corrosion testing is part of that norm.
Obviously since I'm in London, I don't have my owner's manual with me but IIRC, in our manual it says we can use DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids, correct me if I'm wrong.
In any case his book and documentation say that Audi recommends up to DOT 4 and that their "regular" DOT 4 fluid meets those norms.
See the DOT 4 certification below.
Additionally since the RBF 600 falls under the DOT 4 certification or norm it is also approved. See the RBF 600 certification below.
Now when it comes to the 5.1 fluid it gets a bit more confusing. Now Audi does not recommend 5.1 brake fluid specifically in our manuals IIRC. Perhaps this is where the confusion comes from. Maybe the little robots at the dealers and the bigger ones at AOA don't realize this too, thus the "no the 5.1 is not acceptable" answer. Someone should call or e mail AOA and get their version on the Motul 5.1 brake fluid or any other brand of 5.1 brake fluid. In any case I believe the reason the 5.1 is not on Audi's list is simply because Audi did not test it yet or had not tested it when they wrote up the manuals.
Here is the kicker on the 5.1 fluid, it meets DOT 3 and DOT 4 norms so technically it too should be OK to use in our cars. See the 5.1 certification below.
To sum it all up, unless I get something in writing from Motul France or Motul Canada, you can safely use DOT 4, including the RBF 600 fluid in our cars. Technically the 5.1 meets DOT 3 and DOT 4 norms and should also be safe for use in our cars. It was specially designed for cars with ABS systems.
No where is there a written warning about magnesium being a problem with Motul brand brake fluids and this was collaborated in my talks with Motul France.
I hope this settles the issues but if someone knows something different,please let us know.
MOTUL brake fluids certification an norms:
RBF 600
100% synthetic fluid for hydraulic-actuated brake and clutch systems. Specifically designed to resist the high temperatures of actuated (steel or carbon) racing brakes and clutch systems.
EXTREME THERMAL RESISTANCE AND STABILITY: the elevated boiling point of RBF 600 FACTORY LINE (312°c / 593°F) enables effective braking even under the extreme conditions of competition.
VERY EFFICIENT WHEN RAINY: the very high wet boiling point (216°c / 420°F), is superior to conventional brake fluids provides a particularly efficient braking system in rain and put back the apparition of vapor lock.
NORMS : FMVSS 116 DOT 4 / SAE J 1703 / ISO 4925
DOT 5.1 brake fluid
LONG LIFE 100% synthetic fluid for hydraulic actuated-brake and clutch systems.
DOT 5.1 NON-SILICONE BASE.
Fluidity specially designed for anti-locking brake systems.
LONG LIFE FORMULA : the high wet boiling point (185°c/365°F), superior to DOT 4 and DOT 3 fluids enables to use this product longer.
SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO ANTI-LOCKING BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) : its viscosity (820 centipoises at -40°c / -40°F) lower than DOT 4 and DOT 3 brake fluids, allows MOTUL BRAKE FLUID DOT 5.1 an easier fluid circulation in micro-valves of anti-locking systems.
PERFECTLY NEUTRAL WITH SEALS USED IN BRAKING SYSTEMS. ANTI-CORROSION.
STANDARDS : FMVSS 116 DOT 5.1 NON SILICONE BASE & DOT 4 & DOT 3
SAE J 1703
Dot 4 brake fluid
100% synthetic fluid for all types of hydraulic actuated-brake and clutch systems.
DOT 4.
HIGH THERMAL RESISTANCE AND STABILITY: the high boiling point (245°c / 473°F), superior to DOT 3 conventional fluids enables an effective brake even under extreme conditions.
SECURITY: the high wet boiling point (158°c / 316°F) superior to DOT 3 conventional fluids enables longer product use.
PERFECTLY NEUTRAL WITH SEALS USED IN BRAKING SYSTEMS. ANTI-CORROSIVE.
STANDARDS : FMVSS 116 DOT 4 & DOT 3 SAE J 1703
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks