DOT brake fluid
The hydraulic fluid used in SRAM's Level, Guide, G2 and Code disc brakes. It's not interchangeable with mineral oil and needs careful handling.
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DOT brake fluid is the hydraulic fluid in SRAM's DOT disc brakes, which include the Level, Guide, G2 and Code families. SRAM uses DOT 5.1 or DOT 4 in all of its current DOT brakes (SRAM support). It moves the force from the lever to the caliper pistons, just as mineral oil does in other brands' brakes, but the two fluids are not interchangeable.
Never put mineral oil in a DOT brake, or DOT fluid in a mineral oil brake. SRAM says any other fluid can damage the system and make the brakes unsafe (SRAM bleed manual). SRAM's Maven brakes use mineral oil, not DOT (SRAM support).
DOT fluid irritates skin and eyes and can damage paint. Wear gloves and eye protection, and clean spills with isopropyl alcohol (Park Tool).
What it's used for
Bleeding SRAM DOT brakes after a hose change, when the lever feels soft, or as routine service. SRAM recommends a bleed at least once a year, more often for heavy use (SRAM bleed manual), and says bleeding clears out air and water and raises the fluid's boiling point (SRAM troubleshooting). See bleed SRAM hydraulic brakes.
What to look for
- Grade: SRAM calls for DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (SRAM bleed manual).
- SRAM's own bottle: SRAM sells DOT 5.1 in 4 oz (120 ml) bottles, part number 00.5318.017.000, in most regions (SRAM support).
- Grease: use only DOT compatible grease on DOT brake parts (SRAM bleed manual).
- Disposal: follow local rules, and never pour it into drains, onto the ground or into water (SRAM bleed manual).
Best price we found
- SRAM 5.1 DOT Hydraulic Brake Fluid 4oz at Performance Bicycle: $11.99 on sale, regular $14.99, checked Nov 9, 2026 (listed on back order)
- SRAM High-Performance 5.1 DOT Fluid 4 oz at REI: $15.00, checked Nov 9, 2026 (shown as sold out with pre-order)
Prices change often, and a local shop may match them.
Where to buy
- Large bike retailers listed above. Look for SRAM's part number to be sure of the bottle.
- A local bike shop, see find a shop. SRAM dealers can also bleed the brakes for you (SRAM troubleshooting).
Guides that use it
Sources
- SRAM support, support.sram.com
- SRAM bleed manual, sram.com
- SRAM support, support.sram.com
- Park Tool, parktool.com
- SRAM troubleshooting, sram.com
- SRAM 5.1 DOT Hydraulic Brake Fluid 4oz at Performance Bicycle, performancebike.com
- SRAM High-Performance 5.1 DOT Fluid 4 oz at REI, rei.com
Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.
Guides that use this
If these steps didn't fix it, find a shop near you in our partner network. For battery or wiring trouble, look for shops marked Battery and electrical.
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