Clutch fluid - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

tomtom72 · 10-13-2005

Hi Guys,

I know the correct fluid for a Z is P/N 12345347. My local dealer says they don't stock it & if I want it I have to take a case. They say DOT3 is what they use.

Is there another brand I would be able to substitute? I read somewhere that Castrol brake fluid has been used as a replacement? Am I just looking for trouble or should I get the GM stuff?

Thanks,
Tom

Tom · 10-13-2005

The specified clutch fluid has an additional lubrication additive that standard Dot 3 brake fluid does not have. The way I remember the history is; early C4 Corvette production used standard brake fluid but some people complained about a squeaking they heard when operating the clutch. The squeaking was traced to the clutch system master and slave cylinder seals acting and sounding like squeegees in the bores which made the squeaking noise. The lubrication additive eliminated the squeaking.

The dealer should be able to look at his computer and tell you if any other local dealers stock the correct fluid. If none do I would check with Mid America, Ecklers, or one of the other Corvette parts suppliers.

tomtom72 · 10-14-2005

Thank you Tom. I'll ask if the dealer can do a "look see" in their network for me.

Tom

We Gone · 10-14-2005

Iâ€™ve been using Vavoline synthetics with no issues

tomtom72 · 10-14-2005

Hi Steve! How's everyone down on your ranch? Hope it's all good!

Thanks for the tip!

Tom

10-13-2005	#1
tomtom72 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL USA Posts: 4,609	Clutch fluid Hi Guys, I know the correct fluid for a Z is P/N 12345347. My local dealer says they don't stock it & if I want it I have to take a case. They say DOT3 is what they use. Is there another brand I would be able to substitute? I read somewhere that Castrol brake fluid has been used as a replacement? Am I just looking for trouble or should I get the GM stuff? Thanks, Tom __________________ 1990 ZR-1, Black/grey, #2233, stock. ZR-1 Net Reg Founding Member #316 & NCM member

10-13-2005	#2
Tom Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Southern CA Posts: 108	Re: Clutch fluid The specified clutch fluid has an additional lubrication additive that standard Dot 3 brake fluid does not have. The way I remember the history is; early C4 Corvette production used standard brake fluid but some people complained about a squeaking they heard when operating the clutch. The squeaking was traced to the clutch system master and slave cylinder seals acting and sounding like squeegees in the bores which made the squeaking noise. The lubrication additive eliminated the squeaking. The dealer should be able to look at his computer and tell you if any other local dealers stock the correct fluid. If none do I would check with Mid America, Ecklers, or one of the other Corvette parts suppliers.

10-14-2005	#3
tomtom72 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL USA Posts: 4,609	Re: Clutch fluid Thank you Tom. I'll ask if the dealer can do a "look see" in their network for me. Tom __________________ 1990 ZR-1, Black/grey, #2233, stock. ZR-1 Net Reg Founding Member #316 & NCM member

10-14-2005	#4
We Gone Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,170	Re: Clutch fluid Iâ€™ve been using Vavoline synthetics with no issues __________________ Steve 1990 Steel Blue/Black #2355 1990 Red/Red #1473 1991 Quasar /Black #118 Sold 1991 Turquoise/Black #766 Parted Out 1993 Yellow/White #179 Sold 1990 Black/Gray #1361 Headers/4:10s Sold

10-14-2005	#5
tomtom72 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL USA Posts: 4,609	Re: Clutch fluid Hi Steve! How's everyone down on your ranch? Hope it's all good! Thanks for the tip! Tom __________________ 1990 ZR-1, Black/grey, #2233, stock. ZR-1 Net Reg Founding Member #316 & NCM member