I switched out the fluid in my 03 SMT about 5 months ago and have had zero problems. I used DOT4 brake fluid. I was very skeptical but I gave it a go. I have since put about 2k miles on the car. I noticed the pump runs for less time (maybe because it was low before). Other than that it drives the same...may shift a tad bit quicker but not positive.Like the title states. Would any of the guinea pigs like to share with us their experience so far?
How many miles and any difference in driving experience?
The SMT fluid is dot 3 with about a teaspoon of castor oil per liter. No other additives. It's similar to the rolls royce fluid, but that fluid is pumped by the pistons of the engine, ours doesn't come anywhere near the heat of that.Also, it must be uniquely composed of special additives specifically for the type of pump and actuator.
It is brake fluid in the system for what I know. Toyota call it SMT fluid just for making money out of it. It says "BRAKE FLUID" on the pump so why not use just that? Would the label "BRAKE FLUID" be there otherwise? It's LUCAS (edit: LUK) that manufactures the pump and if they put the label on the unit I believe that it's accurate. If someone gets a used pump and installs it and see the label he will put ordinary brake fluid in. The label is there for a reason and that is for not putting anything else in it, like transmission oil.can dot4 really be use??? help
It is brake fluid in the system for what I know. Toyota call it SMT fluid just for making money out of it. It says "BRAKE FLUID" on the pump so why not use just that? Would the label "BRAKE FLUID" be there otherwise? It's LUCAS that manufactures the pump and if they put the label on the unit I believe that it's accurate. If someone gets a used pump and installs it and see the label he will put ordinary brake fluid in. The label is there for a reason and that is for not putting anything else in it, like transmission oil.