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AS 1960.1—2005

Australian Standard™

Motor vehicle brake fluids

Part 1: Non-petroleum type

AS 1960.1—2005
 This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee CH-004, Brake Fluids for
Motor Vehicles. It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on
20 January 2005.
This Standard was published on 15 February 2005.

The following are represented on Committee CH-004:

Australian Automobile Association

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries
Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association, Inc.
Society of Automotive Engineers, Australasia
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This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 03418.

 AS 1960.1—2005

Australian Standard™
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Motor vehicle brake fluids

Part 1: Non-petroleum type

Originated as part of AS D16—1968.

Previous edition AS/NZS 1960.1:1995.
Revised and designated as AS 1960.1—2005.

COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written
permission of the publisher.
Published by Standards Australia GPO Box 5420, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
ISBN 0 7337 6479 7
 AS 1960.1—2005 2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Australian members of Joint Standards
Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee CH-004, Brake Fluids for Motor Vehicles, to
supersede AS/NZS 1960.1:1995. After consultation with stakeholders in both countries,
Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand decided to develop this Standard as an
Australian, rather than an Australian/New Zealand Standard.
This Standard encompasses non-petroleum type motor vehicle brake fluids, such as
polyglycol/glycol ether/borate ester/silicon ester based brake fluids, for use in the braking
systems of passenger cars, trucks, buses, trailers or motor bikes. These fluids are designed
for use in braking systems fitted with either styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), or a
terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and diene (EPDM) seals.
The objective of this revision was to review recent changes in comparable international
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Standards, and consider new tests which may enhance this Standard.
Changes in this edition of the Standard include:
(a) Introduction of a test property numbering system.
(b) Corrosion test—
(i) change from FMVSS 116 to SAE J1704 method which incorporates EPDM slab
stock;
(ii) exclusion of zinc from the test bundle;
(iii) SBR cup percentage volume swell reduced from ≤16% to ≤10%; and
(iv) inclusion of a dry corrosion test (no added water).
(c) Effect on rubber—
(i) change from SAE J1703 to SAE J1704 method;
(ii) criteria reformatted; and
(iii) SBR volume increase criteria reduced from 1–16% to 0–10%.
(d) Introduction of compatibility with brake fluid component test.
(e) Deletion of the statement of colour required if a colourant is used.
(f) Viscosity and simulated service test methods reference changed from SAE J1703 to
SAE J1704
The term ‘informative’ has been used in this Standard to define the application of the
appendix to which it applies. An ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and
guidance.
 3 AS 1960.1—2005

CONTENTS

Page

FOREWORD.............................................................................................................................. 4
1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 5
2 APPLICATION .......................................................................................................... 5
3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS.................................................................................. 5
4 DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................ 5
5 CLASSIFICATION .................................................................................................... 6
6 BRAKE FLUID CHARACTERISTICS ...................................................................... 6
7 TEST METHODS....................................................................................................... 6
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8 PACKAGING ............................................................................................................. 6

APPENDICES
A CARE AND HANDLING OF BRAKE FLUIDS....................................................... 13
B GUIDANCE ON THE COMPATIBILITY WITH BRAKE SYSTEM
COMPONENTS ........................................................................................................ 15
 AS 1960.1—2005 4

FOREWORD
This Standard specifies three grades of fluid, which are essentially differentiated from each
other by their equilibrium reflux boiling point (ERBP), wet ERBP and viscosity (−40°C).
Additionally, the minimum ERBP requirements of the fluid grades within this Standard
exceed the minimum ERBP requirements for the corresponding Standards FMVSS 116
DOT 3 and 4, Motor vehicle brake fluids, SAE J1703, Motor vehicle brake fluid and
SAE J1704, Borate Ester based brake fluids, and ISO 4925, Road vehicles— Non-petroleum
base brake fluid.
The requirements for fluids that comply with Grades 1, 2 and 3 are as follows:
(a) Fluids, which comply with Grade 1 requirements, exceed the minimum requirements
of DOT 3 and SAE J1703 brake fluid.
(b) Fluids, which comply with Grade 2 and Grade 3, exceed the minimum requirements
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of DOT 4 and SAE J1704 brake fluid.

Furthermore, this Standard also includes testing SBR cup, EPDM slab stock and functional
seals in performance tests to ensure compatibility of the brake fluid.
Comparison of properties in this Standard with relevant international Standards is shown in
the following table:

AS 1960.1 FMVSS 116 SAE ISO

Property Grade Grade Grade DOT 3 DOT 4 DOT 5.1 J1703 J1704 4925
1 2 3
ERBP 230 260 260 205 230 260 205 230 205
°C min.
Wet ERBP 140 155 170 140 155 180 140 155 140
°C min.
Viscosity 1500 1800 1800 1500 1800 900 1800 1800 1800
(−40°C)
mm 2 /s max.
 5 AS 1960.1—2005

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Australian Standard
Motor vehicle brake fluids

Part 1: Non-petroleum type

1 SCOPE
This Standard specifies the characteristics, test methods and packaging of three grades of
automotive brake fluid of the non-petroleum type, for use in the hydraulic braking systems
of motor vehicles.
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NOTES:
1 These grades are currently met by brake fluids having a polyglycol type base.
2 Appendix A provides guidance on the care and handling of brake fluid.
3 Appendix B provides guidance on the compatibility with brake system components.

2 APPLICATION
The application of this Standard in the selection and use of these fluids shall be made in
conjunction with the recommendations of the manufacturer of the motor vehicle in which
the fluid is to be used.
NOTE: Fluid compatibility testing should be performed between seals and brake fluids
representative of the bulk in common use.

3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
The latest issue of publications shall apply.
The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
FMVSS
116 Motor vehicle brake fluids
SAE
J1703 Motor vehicle brake fluid
J1704 Borate Ester based brake fluids

4 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions below apply.
4.1 Blister
A cavity or sac on the surface of a brake cup.
4.2 Chipping
A condition in which small pieces are missing from the outer surface of a brake cup.
4.3 Etching
Chemical attack on metal components causing typically uniform corrosion, initially seen as
dulling or frosting of the surface.
4.4 Pitting
Highly localized corrosion of metal components resulting potentially in small pits or
perforations.
www.standards.com.au  Standards Australia
 AS 1960.1—2005 6

4.5 Scuffing
An erosion of a portion of the outer surface of a brake cup visible to the naked eye.
4.6 Sloughing
Dislodged particles of material from the surface of the tested part when dragged/rubbed
upon a sheet of bond paper on a firm surface.
4.7 Stickiness
A tendency by the surface of the tested part to adhere when in contact with other surfaces.

5 CLASSIFICATION
The fluid shall be supplied as Grade 1, Grade 2 or Grade 3, as defined by the equilibrium
reflux boiling point (ERBP), wet ERBP and kinematic viscosity (see Table 1).

6 BRAKE FLUID CHARACTERISTICS

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The physical and chemical properties of the fluid shall be such that will enable the fluid to
comply with Table 1, when tested as prescribed in Clause 7.

7 TEST METHODS
The fluid shall be tested for compliance with this Standard by the test methods specified in
Table 1.
NOTE: The SAE RM66 fluid required to perform these tests is available from the Society of
Automotive Engineers Inc., 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, Pa 15096, USA.

8 PACKAGING
8.1 Containers
Brake fluid shall be stored and transported in containers which are sound, clean, dry and
capable of suitable sealing and resealing. Tamperproof seals shall be provided on all
containers up to 5 L capacity.
The material of the containers and seals shall be such that it will not be adversely affected
by the fluid and shall have no adverse effect on the fluid.
8.2 Marking
Containers should be marked in accordance with legal requirements of the area in which the
fluid is sold, and the toxicity statement should be that of the manufacturer. The following
information shall be clearly and indelibly marked on the container, or on a label suitably
affixed to the container:
(a) Trade name or trademark of manufacturer or supplier.
(b) Product description, including grade and base fluid type, e.g. A Grade 1 (polyglycol
type).
(c) Reference to this Standard, i.e. AS 1960.1.
(d) Batch number and date of manufacture for all containers.
(e) Date of expiry on unopened containers where the container is of 20 L capacity or
greater.
(f) A safety warning in respect of the following items:
(i) Effect of fluid contamination.
(ii) Effect of water uptake after opening.

 Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

 7 AS 1960.1—2005

(iii) Statement as to toxicity.

(iv) Statutory caution if applicable.
(g) A statement of the necessity to:
(i) Clean master cylinder and container caps before removal and refitting.
(ii) Follow vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations when adding fluid.
(iii) Ensure that the polyglycol, mineral oil and silicone fluid are never mixed.
(iv) Avoid spillage onto paint work and where spillage occurs, rinse affected area
immediately with water.
(v) Not reuse empty containers.
NOTE: Manufacturers making statement of compliance with this Australian Standard on a
product, packaging, or promotional material related to that product are advised to ensure that such
compliance is capable of being verified.
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www.standards.com.au  Standards Australia

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AS 1960.1-2005, Motor vehicle brake fluids

Non-petroleum type
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