164S Brakes

["Doug Gould" <dgould@domain.elided>]

I am surprised that i have been able to get in ahead of Alfa Bill, but a
change to DOT 3 is likely to give you improved brake feel.

 Additionally, it seems to be generally accepted that DOT3 is the better
fluid than DOT4. One explanation for the improved feel that i have been told
is that DOT4 was formulated (in part) to create some sticktion of the piston
to the caliper seal. This is so the caliper seal will act to pull the piston
back a little when the brake pedal released. This in turn retracts the brake
pads a little and reduces pad knockback.

When I last changed to DOT3 I did notice that the first application requires
a little more pedal travel, but the improved feel is worth it. My
replacement 164 for the 164 fastback will get the fluid change this weekend.

BTW (are you listening Bill?) we dropped the subframe on this car as per the
164 Q specs and it makes an appreciable difference to torque steer and
general "solidness" on the road.

Doug Gould
90 164L

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