Everything about Brake Fluid totally explained
Brake fluid is a type of
hydraulic fluid used in
hydraulic brake applications in
motorcycles,
automobiles,
light trucks, and some advanced
bicycles. It is used to transfer force under pressure from where it's created through
hydraulic lines to the braking mechanism near the
wheels. It works because
liquids are not appreciably
compressible. Braking applications produce a lot of
heat, so brake fluid must have a high
boiling point to remain effective, and must also not
freeze under normal temperatures. These requirements eliminate most
water-based solutions.
Brake fluid comes in a number of forms, and is standardized worldwide by the
United States Department of Transportation (DOT).
DOT 2 is essentially
castor oil;
DOT 3,
DOT 4, and
DOT 5.1 are composed of various
mineral oils,
glycol esters, and
ethers; some are
synthetic oil based, and
DOT 5 is
silicone-based.
As of 2006, most cars produced in the U.S. use DOT3.
Some very old British cars use
Girling brakes, which are incompatible with DOT3 brake fluid. British-car dealers are careful in observing this precaution; generalist mechanics often are not.
Glycol based fluids are half as compressible as silicone type fluids, even when heated. Less compressibility of brake fluid will increase pedal feel (firmness), but in either case this effect is minimal. The U.S. Army has used silicone brake fluid exclusively since 1982 successfully.
Glycols are
hygroscopic and will absorb water from the atmosphere, reducing the boiling point of the fluid and degrading hydraulic efficiency. Changing fluid on a regular basis will greatly increase the performance of the brake system, but this is often not a concern in passenger cars. On the other hand, changing fluid at least every several years will preserve the life of brake system components (by removing accumulated water and other contaminants, thereby reducing rust on internal components), and increase the overall reliability of the brake system.
Polyethylene glycol, and other brake fluid ingredients may be
corrosive to paint and finished surfaces such as
chrome, and thus care should be taken when working with the fluid. Additionally, polyethylene glycol, in the concentrations found in DOT brake fluids, reacts violently, producing a large fireball, with some household chemicals, notably pool care products.
Hotwheelscollectors.com
cites that hobby modellers use brake fluid as a safe (if somewhat slow) paint stripper. It is less likely to harm skin and won't harm plastics. Brake fluid can also be used as a releasing fluid for screw threads, provided no painted parts are involved.
Components
Mineral-based
Silicone-based
Di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate
Dimethyl polysiloxane
Tributyl phosphateFurther Information
Get more info on 'Brake Fluid'.
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