Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[Nate047]

Thanks guys, I have some LiquiMoly fluid left over and I will test it and see.

[Slideways]

Not sure how useful my experience/perspective is, but...

All my brake fluid is SRF (thank-you, FCP Euro), which is is supposedly less hygroscopic than many fluids, and even its wet boiling point is still high enough for street use. So, for the Mazda, I'll use unsealed but unused brake fluid as long as my brake fluid test pen shows no moisture. I know pens are not super trustworthy, but SRF is such hilarious overkill that I figure I'm okay using it as long as the pen reads zero moisture on all its modes.

...But for the M3, I'll still only use fluid from sealed, unopened containers (largely because occasional track time).

I would guess it depends on the environment where the container is kept. If it is stored in a dry environment with the container in a sealed plastic bag, the brake fluids moisture content should not change much and will probably still test good. Found this video where the owner is testing Motul RBF 600:

[IamFODI]

What's the shelf life of brake fluid? Asking about fluid in a previously opened container but the fluid isn't used, and brand new in a sealed unopened container. If I check the moisture is that a good enough indicator that it's good or not?

Not sure how useful my experience/perspective is, but...

All my brake fluid is SRF (thank-you, FCP Euro), which is is supposedly less hygroscopic than many fluids, and even its wet boiling point is still high enough for street use. So, for the Mazda, I'll use unsealed but unused brake fluid as long as my brake fluid test pen shows no moisture. I know pens are not super trustworthy, but SRF is such hilarious overkill that I figure I'm okay using it as long as the pen reads zero moisture on all its modes.

...But for the M3, I'll still only use fluid from sealed, unopened containers (largely because occasional track time).

[oceansize]

Unopened and sealed is good forever. If opened for more than a year (and I write the date I opened it on the bottle) it gets pitched.

[Nate047]

What's the shelf life of brake fluid? Asking about fluid in a previously opened container but the fluid isn't used, and brand new in a sealed unopened container. If I check the moisture is that a good enough indicator that it's good or not?

[Cubieman]

They've got it on amazon. Amazing. Thanks man!!

https://www.amazon.com/Waterway-429-.../dp/B00GXDW9OI

Just don't hate me if it doesn't work, again I am not 100%, but a solid 85.999%

[ATB88]

I used a PVC pipe fitting, although it was a special fitting I got from a store I used to work at that sold hot tubs. It was a repair fitting so you won't find it locally but here are some pictures and a part #.

I see I sanded it around the permiter slightly for a better fit. My memory is terrible but I'm almost positive I used this.

Edit: You may be able to get this locally, it slips over a 2" fitting, we sold them as well as another shop in our small Nebraska town.

They've got it on amazon. Amazing. Thanks man!!

https://www.amazon.com/Waterway-429-2010-Pool-Fitting-Extender/dp/B00GXDW9OI

[Cubieman]

Anyone who has DIY'd diff output seals: what did you use to drive the seal in? I remember it being a huge pain in the ass to get it in last time, and I would like to be prepared this time so I can get in and get out. Anyone know of an easily purchasable object that will do the trick?

I used a PVC pipe fitting, although it was a special fitting I got from a store I used to work at that sold hot tubs. It was a repair fitting so you won't find it locally but here are some pictures and a part #.

I see I sanded it around the permiter slightly for a better fit. My memory is terrible but I'm almost positive I used this.

Edit: You may be able to get this locally, it slips over a 2" fitting, we sold them as well as another shop in our small Nebraska town.

[BMWE46M3]

No, to be clear I have the 19" style 67 wheels. I'm sorry, I should have mentioned that.

Regarding the suspension, I have the Koni/Eibach shock/spring combo. I'll attach a link to this setup so you can see the amount of reduction from the springs (it's not much). https://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspensi...1145-1012.html

[BMWE46M3]

I’m assuming you responded because you have ZCP wheels and these tire specs and stock suspension, but… yes? lol

No, to be clear I have the 19" style 67 wheels. I'm sorry, I should have mentioned that.

[ATB88]

Anyone who has DIY'd diff output seals: what did you use to drive the seal in? I remember it being a huge pain in the ass to get it in last time, and I would like to be prepared this time so I can get in and get out. Anyone know of an easily purchasable object that will do the trick?

[davidinnyc]

I'm running 12.5 in the rear and 20 in the front without issues and it looks great.

I’m assuming you responded because you have ZCP wheels and these tire specs and stock suspension, but… yes? lol

[BMWE46M3]

Okay - getting ready to install 996 calipers on the Imola. This question is partly lazy and also partly “I’ve read everywhere up and down and can’t get someone with the exact setup I want to run give me an answer”:

ZCP wheels
275/30/19 rear
245/35/19 front

What spacers can I run without issues and on stock suspension? I measured and *think* I can run 15MM up front and 12MM rear still without rubbing?

David

I'm running 12.5 in the rear and 20 in the front without issues and it looks great.

[davidinnyc]

Okay - getting ready to install 996 calipers on the Imola. This question is partly lazy and also partly “I’ve read everywhere up and down and can’t get someone with the exact setup I want to run give me an answer”:

ZCP wheels
275/30/19 rear
245/35/19 front

What spacers can I run without issues and on stock suspension? I measured and *think* I can run 15MM up front and 12MM rear still without rubbing?

David

[Slideways]

Have a proper dumb question for this thread this time; when removing the axle from the differential does any diff fluid come out? Need to repair the inner cv joint boot and was wondering if I’ll need to have some Castrol diff fluid handy or it’s actually a sealed unit and I'm being dumb?

You won't lose any diff fluid. The output shafts are bolted to the drive flanges on the differential, so they just get unbolted. Now if you want to replace the flange seals on the differential, then you might lose some diff fluid.