[tnova]

I've run both ATE and Wilwood DOT 4 brake fluid on the racetrack for eight years, only recently switching to Wilwood after losing my source of reasonably priced ATE. No problems with either one on the track including extremely hard braking at Auto Club Speedway coming off the oval into the infield section of the course (135+ mph to 40-50 mph). I buy brake fluid by the case - $ ouch.


I absolutely bleed brakes and clutch prior to each event and flush twice a year. If, when bleeding brakes, I see dirty or milky fluid I totally flush but also find the source and repair. However that scenario has always been proceeded by the pedal getting soft or even a double pump required when braking, so I was hunting for the problem. Usually it's been failing seals around the caliper pistons or in the master cylinders. Some performance brake pad materials are extremely corrosive (Hawk Blue) and it needs to be cleaned off the calipers and wheel bearing seals after each event or it deteriorates the seals and permits intrusion into the closed braking system.


For cars that I run on the track, autocross, or even on aggressive runs, I perform a total lubricant replacements (clutch, trans or transaxle, differential, wheel bearings, power steering) once a year. If I had an "off" causing billowing dirt (Willow Springs, Streets of Willow, Chuckwalla) or into sand (Spring Mountain) I replace fluids. Fortunately that was the has not been necessary the last many years but I have dropped a wheel now and then.


No issues running either one on the street.


Tony - Tnova