Recommended Clutch Fluid

[JARblue]

In my searching, I have found very little detailed information about different clutch fluids that can be used in the Z. I used ATE Super Blue when I did my brakes recently, and I was planning to use the same to replace my clutch fluid because that's what I did in my previous MT vehicle. However, I was looking at the SS clutch line from Z1 and noticed a bold statement on the page: "Z1 Motorsports ONLY recommends the usage of Motul RBF 600 Brake/Clutch Fluid for 370z/G37 Hydraulic Clutch System."

Z1 370z/G37 Stainless Steel Clutch Line

Can anyone shed some light on this matter for me? It is easier and cheaper for me to use the ATE Super Blue because I will just use some from the open container leftover when I did my brakes. However, I don't have a problem purchasing the Motul along with the SS clutch line if there's a legitimate reason behind it. I know Z1 sells the ATE Super Blue, so I find it interesting that it's not even an option in the Optional Clutch Fluid drop down menu.

Also, this clutch line is coated in red vinyl. I know it doesn't matter because you don't see it, but I am slightly OCD and would like to know if anyone has seen one in black or whether I could change the color myself. I am wondering if I could just paint the line with some high temp paint I have in the garage.

[Chuck33079]

You should toss the open container of ATE. Once you open the bottle, it starts absorbing water. I've always used Motul for brakes and clutches. ATE is better than OEM, but the main attraction of ATE is having two colors that you can alternate between so you can see you've got all of the old fluid out. Motul performs better in almost every category except price.

[Motion Lab]

Without full knowledge of the product I don't want to tell a lie, but I would have to assume looking at it it is made from the same line material that brake lines are. This would be a teflon inner liner, surrounded by a sealed stainless braid. Having said that ATE, Motul, Castrol, or any other quality brake fluid should work.

As for your slight "OCD" regarding the coloring maybe consider using a product like Firesleeve to protect it and make it more "stylish". Check the kits out HERE. Its a protective outter sheathing and comes with a finishing tape to make it look seamless with the line. A little overkill, but something to consider.

Hopefully z1motorsports wont chime in and make me liar!

Thanks,
Alex Goodwin
AlexG@motionlabtuning.com

[JARblue]

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

You should toss the open container of ATE. Once you open the bottle, it starts absorbing water. I've always used Motul for brakes and clutches. ATE is better than OEM, but the main attraction of ATE is having two colors that you can alternate between so you can see you've got all of the old fluid out. Motul performs better in almost every category except price.

The container is stainless steel and not prone to absorbing moisture like those plastic bottles can be. That being said, I opened it about a month ago, and it will be gone in the next month. It is shared between several friends, so the fluid gets used up quickly and doesn't sit around for long periods of time.

The two different colors is precisely the reason I went with ATE for the brakes. I'm less concerned about that for the clutch though because there's only a single line to bleed. I'd be happy to go with Motul instead of ATE, but I assume the Motul shouldn't sit open on the shelf for very long either. If that's the case, I'll just stick with the ATE that I already have rather than buying a bottle of Motul, using less than half, and then having to dispose of it before I have a need to use the rest of the bottle.

[Chuck33079]

Originally Posted by JARblue

The container is stainless steel and not prone to absorbing moisture like those plastic bottles can be. That being said, I opened it about a month ago, and it will be gone in the next month. It is shared between several friends, so the fluid gets used up quickly and doesn't sit around for long periods of time.

The two different colors is precisely the reason I went with ATE for the brakes. I'm less concerned about that for the clutch though because there's only a single line to bleed. I'd be happy to go with Motul instead of ATE, but I assume the Motul shouldn't sit open on the shelf for very long either. If that's the case, I'll just stick with the ATE that I already have rather than buying a bottle of Motul, using less than half, and then having to dispose of it before I have a need to use the rest of the bottle.

Ok, you should be fine. I'd still go with the Motul for the clutch. Even if you toss the rest of the bottle it's less than $20 and the boiling point is higher than the ATE if I remember correctly.

[JARblue]

Originally Posted by Motion Lab

Without full knowledge of the product I don't want to tell a lie, but I would have to assume looking at it it is made from the same line material that brake lines are. This would be a teflon inner liner, surrounded by a sealed stainless braid. Having said that ATE, Motul, Castrol, or any other quality brake fluid should work.

As for your slight "OCD" regarding the coloring maybe consider using a product like Firesleeve to protect it and make it more "stylish". Check the kits out HERE. Its a protective outter sheathing and comes with a finishing tape to make it look seamless with the line. A little overkill, but something to consider.

Hopefully z1motorsports wont chime in and make me liar!

Thanks,
Alex Goodwin
AlexG@motionlabtuning.com

Thanks for the link That looks perfect and not too expensive for my OCD level

I was assuming that their recommendation was less directed at the actual SS line (I have to believe the line can handle any decent quality brake fluid) and more towards the entire hydraulic system in the Z. Either way, I would be happy for them to chime with their

[JARblue]

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

Ok, you should be fine. I'd still go with the Motul for the clutch. Even if you toss the rest of the bottle it's less than $20 and the boiling point is higher than the ATE if I remember correctly.

Ok well if it's not unusual to just toss the bottle, I'll just accept it and go with Motul. And yes, I believe the temps are 600F for the Motul vs 500F for the ATE.

[Chuck33079]

I always end up with leftovers I have to throw out. It also makes a fantastic weed killer.

[roy'sz]

A useful tip for the leftover fluid, I have used a syringe to suck out the older fluid and fill with the leftover bottle of oil every week or two.

[JARblue]

Originally Posted by roy'sz

A useful tip for the leftover fluid, I have used a syringe to suck out the older fluid and fill with the leftover bottle of oil every week or two.

That's not a bad idea to avoid throwing perfectly good fluid out

[Fountainhead]

Originally Posted by roy'sz

A useful tip for the leftover fluid, I have used a syringe to suck out the older fluid and fill with the leftover bottle of oil every week or two.

I do the same thing I have a large syringe that I use to cycle the clutch fluid in the reservoir as it turns color from clear to amber or at least when it turns darker. Keeps the fluid clean and hopefully removes any abrasive clutchy bits from the seals and rubber pistons.

I use Valvoline DOT3/DOT4 brake fluid in mine since I mostly drive like a granny.

[ChrisSlicks]

The clutch is prone to boiling hence their recommendation of a very high temp DOT-4 fluid. I think the ATE would be fine and I used it in the clutch for quite a while without issue but the Motul gives a little more headroom.

The clutch fluid gets contaminated pretty quickly I've found, so flushing it regularly is more important than using a brand new container each time.

[roy'sz]

Originally Posted by Fountainhead

I do the same thing I have a large syringe that I use to cycle the clutch fluid in the reservoir as it turns color from clear to amber or at least when it turns darker. Keeps the fluid clean and hopefully removes any abrasive clutchy bits from the seals and rubber pistons.

I use Valvoline DOT3/DOT4 brake fluid in mine since I mostly drive like a granny.

Its a good fluid to use though....its synthetic based which is why it has a higher rating against heat than mineral or non synthetic. Ive used it for uears and no problems yet.

[Joepro]

Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks

The clutch is prone to boiling hence their recommendation of a very high temp DOT-4 fluid. I think the ATE would be fine and I used it in the clutch for quite a while without issue but the Motul gives a little more headroom.

The clutch fluid gets contaminated pretty quickly I've found, so flushing it regularly is more important than using a brand new container each time.

one day at the strip and my clutch fluid was shot...black and the clutch pedal was sloppy.

[JARblue]

I picked up some Motul RBF600 from Woods Fun Center today for my clutch fluid. It was $21, which isn't bad for local - I didn't have to pay shipping and I got to drive the Z to pick it up Thanks for the input guys