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Home >> Audi >> 2021 >> A4 Quattro Premium Plus, 2.0L Eng VIN B >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Brakes >> Mechanical - Hydraulic >> Hydraulic Components (Brake System) (1 Of 2) >> 47 Hydraulic Components >> Hydraulic System >> Brake Fluid General Information

Brake Fluid General Information

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning that it has the ability to absorb water and moisture from the air.

CAUTION:

Risk of an accident due to the water content in the brake fluid being too high. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs moisture from the surrounding air.

Brake failure due to the formation of steam bubbles.

- Store brake fluid in air-tight containers.

- Immediately seal any open brake hoses and brake lines.

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

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.

Over time, brake fluid will darken in color. Dark-colored brake fluid does not indicate anything about its quality. The color forms due to chemical reactions.

CAUTION:

Risk of accident due to the brakes malfunctioning.

- Brake fluid must never come into contact with fluids containing mineral oils (oil, gasoline, cleaning solutions).

- Wear safety gloves that are free of oil and grease.

Fig 2: Boot Original Size -A- And Swollen From Contact With Mineral Oil -B-
GWWN47-0013Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Even the smallest amount of mineral oil on a seal or boot can cause the parts to change and thereby affect the function of the brakes. 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

B -  Boot - Swollen Through Contact with Mineral Oil

CAUTION:

Health risk due to poisonous fluid.

- Never extract brake fluid by mouth.

As a result of the previously mentioned points:

CAUTION:

Leaking brake fluid increases the risk of injury.

Risk of skin irritation and injury.

- Wear safety gloves.

CAUTION:

There is a risk of contamination and paint damage from leaking brake fluid.

- Rinse off any leaking brake fluid immediately using plenty of water.