LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Audi >> 2007 >> A3 Base, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Brakes >> Traction Control >> General, Technical Data - Brake System >> 00 General, Technical Data >> General Information >> Brake Fluid

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, for example it has the capability to absorb water and moisture from the air.

If water has been absorbed, the boiling point will drop, for example, during high braking temperatures the brake fluid may develop steam bubbles and cause the brakes to fail.

Fig 1: Brake Fluid Graph
GWWN47-0016Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Over time, brake fluid will darken in color. Dark-colored brake fluid does not specify anything about its quality. The coloring occurs through chemical reactions and can occur after a short time (several weeks), especially in vehicles with ABS.

WARNING:

The rubber components of the brake system (boots, seals) do not tolerate mineral oil, gasoline, and cleaning agents!

Even the smallest amount on a seal or boot can cause the part to change and thereby affect the function of the brake system. The results of an unclean brake system first show themselves months later, causing increased repair costs, especially on vehicles with ABS.

A = Boot - Original size

Fig 2: Sleeve Original Size And Swollen As A Result Of Contact With Mineral Oil
GWWN47-0013Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

B = Boot - Swollen through contact with mineral oil

It is implied by the previously mentioned points that:

Keep containers of brake fluid closed securely. This is to make sure that no oil, dirt or cleaning materials and no humidity can enter the container.

Store containers of brake fluid away from oil (even hydraulic oil) and cleaning fluids to prevent an accidental mixing of both fluids or even filling the brake system with the wrong fluid.