IMPACT 4.04.

00 25/01/2024

Chassis ID Path
B 848869 17/Description, Design and function//Lubricants, fluids and oil analysis

Model Identity
FH (4) 142015090

Publish date ID/Operation

16/05/2018

Brake fluid
Brake fluid is a non-compressible medium that transfers pressure from the brake pedal to the wheel brakes. However,
Volvo use this fluid mainly as a clutch fluid. Brake fluid is often based on synthetic poly-glycol-ether but it can also be
silicone based, even if this is not so usual. The most important characteristics of a brake fluid are the dry and wet
boiling points (wet boiling point after absorption of water) and viscosity at −40°C. In addition, the fluid must be able to
withstand oxidation and be thermally stable, since large amounts of heat are generated in the braking process and a
certain amount is taken up by the brake fluid. The boiling point must be sufficiently high to ensure that vaporisation is
avoided, this can otherwise cause brake failure due to vapour locks. In extreme cases, the brake fluid temperature can
exceed 150°C.

Other important characteristics for brake fluid are corrosion inhibiting, lubrication and compatibility with elastomers.

Brake fluid is normally classified according to SAE, DOT and ISO standards, according to dry and wet boiling points as
well as viscosity at −40°C. SAE J 1703 is a mixture of DOT 3 and DOT 4 while ISO 4925 is identical with DOT 3. The
DOT system is regulated by the FMVSS 116 standard.

DOT 3 and DOT 4 (designations DOT 3+ and DOT 4+ also occur) are almost all based on poly-glycol-ethers, while
brake fluid designated DOT 5 is normally based on silicone oil. There are, however polyglykolether-based brake fluids
that fulfil the requirements for DOT 5. Polyglykolether-based brake fluids should not be mixed with silicone-based
fluids, and to avoid problems, DOT 3 or DOT4 classed brake fluid should not be mixed with DOT 5 classed fluids. DOT
3 and DOT 4 (or DOT 3+ and DOT 4+) can, however, be mixed with each other.

DOT 4 is often recommended for Volvo vehicles, but even brake fluid corresponding to SAE J 1703 or DOT 3 can
sometimes be used. DOT 5 should on the other hand, not be used.

Copyright to this documentation belongs to the Volvo Group. No reproduction, copying, change, amendment or other similar disposal is entitled without prior written consent by
the Volvo Group
The information contained herein is current at the time of its original distribution, but is subject to change. The reader is advised that printed copies are uncontrolled.

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