Larry, you understanding is the same as mine.  But the older designation
fluids are still available.  I do understand that the newer types (Type 5
for example) will stand up to higher temperatures.  But, I continue to use
the one specified, which for my camper is Type 3, iirc.  Interestingly,
that is also specified for the power steering, rather than a dedicated
power steering fluid.  Perhaps someone more expert can enlighten me as to
why that is.  mcneely

On Fri, Jul 3, 2020 at 4:09 PM Larry Alofs <lalofs@gmail.com> wrote:

> Once, a long time ago, I believe that I learned that DOT 5 was not
> compatible with brake systems designed for DOT 3 and 4.
>   Have I been operating under the wrong misconception?
>
> Larry A.
>
>
> On Fri, Jul 3, 2020 at 3:00 PM Stacy Schneider <vwcrewman@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > I’ve always put it in with my waste oil.
> >
> > On Fri, Jul 3, 2020 at 11:50 AM Robert Clemmer <n51219@comcast.net>
> wrote:
> >
> > > With all this discussion about brake fluid, what is the proper way to
> > > dispose of brake fluid?
> > >
> > > BobC
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf
> > > Of Dennis Haynes
> > > Sent: Friday, July 03, 2020 10:34 AM
> > > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > > Subject: Re: Brake reservoir
> > >
> > > Looks like I didn’t put the fluid on the bill. Ravenol DOT 5.1.
> > > There is an arrow on the left side of the reservoir indication the fill
> > > line.
> > >
> > > Dennis
> > >
> > >
> > > From: ddbjorkman@verizon.net <ddbjorkman@verizon.net>
> > > Sent: Friday, July 3, 2020 8:52 AM
> > > To: d23haynes57@hotmail.com; ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET;
> > > vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > > Subject: Re: Brake reservoir
> > >
> > > Thanks Dennis.  I was wondering if anyone got my post.  I wondered if
> > > there was a fill line I couldn't see.  Topping off has been what I have
> > > done in the past.  How about any way to check brake fluid that's been
> in
> > > it's container for a year or so.  BTW, which DOT fluid was used when
> you
> > > last worked on the system?
> > >
> > > Dave B.
> > >
> > > Also BTW, Dennis located and fixed significant  errors done on a
> bearing
> > > and brake job done on my vehicle just prior to my bring my Westie to
> him
> > > for transaxle work, which turned into suspension work, which probably
> > saved
> > > us a few times on our 3 month trip out to the Grand Circle of NP's and
> > lots
> > > more around them.
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com<mailto:
> > > d23haynes57@hotmail.com>>
> > > To: ddbjorkman@verizon.net<mailto:ddbjorkman@verizon.net> <
> > > ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET<mailto:ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>>;
> > > vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> <
> > > vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>>
> > > Sent: Thu, Jul 2, 2020 7:03 pm
> > > Subject: RE: Brake reservoir
> > > Brake fluid is something that should be checked regularly. As the front
> > > pads wear and the pistons move out the fluid level will drop. If the
> > system
> > > is kept topped off it is very important that during brake service the
> > > bleeders are opened as the pistons get pushed back or the fluid will
> get
> > > pushed up and over flow the reservoir.
> > >
> > > As the fluid is inside the vehicle is does not get contaminated that
> > > easily although it is an open vent design. Some set ups use a diaphragm
> > to
> > > keep air off the fluid and allow for the level to change as needed.
> Still
> > > it is a good idea to purge and replace the fluid every 2-3 years. If
> > > nothing else frequently opening the bleeders will help prevent them
> > > freezing in place.
> > >
> > > Dennis
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com<mailto:
> > > vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>> On Behalf Of ddbjorkman@verizon.net
> <mailto:
> > > ddbjorkman@verizon.net>
> > > Sent: Thursday, July 2, 2020 10:42 AM
> > > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> > > Subject: Brake reservoir
> > >
> > > Switching out a broken antenna.  Fine time to check brake fluid.  I
> > > noticed my brake reservoir was not filled to the top.  Should it be?
> > Brake
> > > work done last year.  My brake fluid is somewhat old, how do I make
> sure
> > it
> > > has not absorbed moisture etc. while sitting?
> > > Dave B.
> > >
> > --
> >    1989 Swedish Tristar with Aluminum gates and Atiwe 16" Wheels.
> >     Oldest son is an Eagle scout.
> >
>