Brake fluid and pads for track day

HP Autosport · 07-11-2016, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i8ur911

I would actually, respectfully, disagree on this.

Most cars on track will suffer from boiling brake fluid before glazing pads. In fact, I use the stock M Performance pads on my car with RBF600 and the car has been great (7 days at Palmer Motorsport Park.....on stock pads....running in group 2 with BMWCCA). So, in my opinion, I would swap fluid first.

Regarding what fluid, I'd recommend ATE200 (Gold) or Motul RBF600. The Motul fluid will be more hydroscopic, but had a higher boiling point.....should be changed every 6 months or so.

There shouldn't be any air in the system once bled either.

I do agree that the Pagid RS29 pad is likely the most popular. It's expensive, but you get what you pay for too.

Different track, driver and habits so anything could happen.

XieJin · 07-25-2016, 05:40 PM

I'm running stock brake fluid and stock pads. I believe the majority of people need to learn how to brake. Also to my shock and horror noone has mentioned to open the air tunnel to the center of the rotors??? I've run 30m+ on high speed tracks without any over heating issues at all.

Changing fluid and pads before learning how to brake or even investigating the existing cooling mechanisms of the car is only hurting your racing learning curve and wallets!

Anthony235 · 07-26-2016, 08:58 AM

If you get spongy feel it's your fluid boiling over. Not to say your pads also aren't having issues, but pedal feel is mostly from your fluid.

Best to do both. If you're boiling the fluid your pads aren't far behind (if not already). Also keep in mind once you "boil" your fluid once it's basically worthless for track use.

Motul RBF600 is my go to fluid. Never failed me on the track.

Pads are more subjective. I tend to be very careful with taking pad advice from people when I don't know their driver level (lap times). FWIW I'll probably be going with Pagid pads this fall when I take the 235 out for it's first track day.

I tend to be faster on/off on the brakes than most. I get good life out of my rotors/pads.

Some people will go through pads and rotors in one track day.

casualDIYer · 09-25-2016, 01:45 PM

Let's not beat this to death but, yep, spongy brake = boiling fluid. Brake fluid does absorb a lot of water. Live in a dry climate maybe you can push beyond 12 months. Live by the sea, a lake, even a big river, at least every 12 months or less. As long as the fluid is DOT 4 (and suitable for use in BMW) you should be good. Naturally higher levels (ie DOT 5) should be even better but I do not know if BMW may use DOT 5. Find out if you plan to use it. The point, more than brand, frequency of change and at least DOT 4 is more important.

07-25-2016, 05:40 PM	#24
XieJin Private First Class 10 Rep 197 Posts Drives: '15 M235i xDrive Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	I'm running stock brake fluid and stock pads. I believe the majority of people need to learn how to brake. Also to my shock and horror noone has mentioned to open the air tunnel to the center of the rotors??? I've run 30m+ on high speed tracks without any over heating issues at all. Changing fluid and pads before learning how to brake or even investigating the existing cooling mechanisms of the car is only hurting your racing learning curve and wallets!
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07-26-2016, 08:58 AM	#25
Anthony235 Lieutenant Colonel 715 Rep 1,541 Posts Drives: m235i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: OC, Ca iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW [0.00]	If you get spongy feel it's your fluid boiling over. Not to say your pads also aren't having issues, but pedal feel is mostly from your fluid. Best to do both. If you're boiling the fluid your pads aren't far behind (if not already). Also keep in mind once you "boil" your fluid once it's basically worthless for track use. Motul RBF600 is my go to fluid. Never failed me on the track. Pads are more subjective. I tend to be very careful with taking pad advice from people when I don't know their driver level (lap times). FWIW I'll probably be going with Pagid pads this fall when I take the 235 out for it's first track day. I tend to be faster on/off on the brakes than most. I get good life out of my rotors/pads. Some people will go through pads and rotors in one track day. Last edited by Anthony235; 07-26-2016 at 09:03 AM..
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09-25-2016, 01:45 PM	#26
casualDIYer Major 448 Rep 1,372 Posts Drives: 340i xDrive M Sport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Let's not beat this to death but, yep, spongy brake = boiling fluid. Brake fluid does absorb a lot of water. Live in a dry climate maybe you can push beyond 12 months. Live by the sea, a lake, even a big river, at least every 12 months or less. As long as the fluid is DOT 4 (and suitable for use in BMW) you should be good. Naturally higher levels (ie DOT 5) should be even better but I do not know if BMW may use DOT 5. Find out if you plan to use it. The point, more than brand, frequency of change and at least DOT 4 is more important.
	Appreciate 0 Quote