TRW brake fluid: types, quality and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Brake fluid is an important component that is used every time you press the brake pedal. However, not all car owners understand why it is needed and how often it needs to be replaced. TRW Brake Fluid does not offer extended life, but boasts excellent boiling and freezing points.

Why you need brake fluid

The force from the brake pedal is transmitted using the master brake cylinder through special tubes suitable for the calipers. In the caliper, due to pressure, the piston comes out and presses on the pad, which is pressed against the disc and stops the car.

All formulations must meet stringent requirements for viscosity, upper boiling point and pour point. Lubricity and corrosion protection are also important parameters.

TRW Brake Fluid is formulated to have no effect on rubber products, excellent lubricity and a high boiling point.

Most parts in the brake system are made of metal: tubes, cylinders, pistons, connecting channels. Therefore, an equally important indicator of the composition is corrosion protection. Rusty parts will not be able to ensure the smooth running of moving parts, this can lead to failure of the entire system and dangerous consequences on the road.

Types and composition

The chemical composition of liquids includes a base, dyes and an additive package. The basis is glycol dihydric alcohols, which perform well in hydraulic systems. Additives provide all the necessary properties for lubrication, pour point and boiling point.

TRW brake fluid is divided into several types:

• Dot 3;
• Dot 4;
• Dot 5;
• Dot 5.1.

All the compounds listed above are similar in properties and chemical formulas, except for DOT 5, which contains silicones and a large package of additives. TRW DOT 5 Silicone Brake Fluid is not designed for most vehicles and is most commonly used in sporting events. High silicone content can adversely affect rubber products and lead to system failure.

Other liquids, including Dot 5.1, are based on glycol alcohol and mix perfectly.

TRW product description

TRW's range includes a full range of fluids from version 3 to 5.1. Products are available in various plasticcontainers from 0.25 to 5 liters.

The production date of TRW brake fluid is indicated on each package in the form of numbers printed using a laser machine. The main advantages of the formulations are:

• wide range;
• complete additive package for optimum lubricity;
• high performance in freeze and boil tests of formulations;
• full compatibility with forced refueling of the expansion tank.

DOT 3 fluid is compatible with vehicles equipped with drum brakes on the front and rear axles. Also, the composition is used to refuel the hydraulic drive of the clutch system. Additives do not have a detrimental effect on electronic components: ABS and ESP.

DOT 4 is suitable for systems with front disc brakes and rear drums. The composition also copes well with disc systems on all axles, without adversely affecting electronic security systems. DOT 4 is available in several versions: GP, ESP, which differ in boiling point and freezing point readings. The GP series is more suitable for racing cars with loaded brakes and high disc temperatures.

TRW DOT 5 Brake Fluid is a state-of-the-art motorsport product with all the performance you need for heavily loaded systems.

Version 5.1 is suitable for heavy and loaded vehicles with ESP, ABS, VTD systems. Such compounds do not freeze at -50 degrees and withstandhigh temperatures. TRW Brake Fluid, part number 5.1, is suitable for most vehicles and will not adversely affect rubber products.

Lifetime

Brake fluid, even the most expensive, absorbs moisture. The fact is that glycol attracts a lot of liquid, and over time, viscosity indicators decrease significantly, the boiling point decreases, and the pour point shifts from -40 to -20 degrees.

The average life of any fluid is about two years or 40,000 kilometers. During this period, the main properties deteriorate, and the declared indicators are significantly reduced. Old fluid can suddenly “boil” on long descents, and the brake pedal will sink to the floor, which can lead to serious consequences.

Replacement of the composition can be done independently or at a service station. This procedure costs about 1.5–2.5 thousand rubles plus materials.

How to determine the condition of a liquid

Determine wear in several ways:

• visual inspection;
• check with instrument;
• behavior of the composition in difficult conditions.

TRW pfb401 brake fluid meets all specifications, however, after two years of operation, the color changes from yellowish white to dark gray. The darkening of the composition indicates general wear and loss of chemical properties. This fluid needs to be replaced.

If, when driving in winter, the brake pedal began to be pressed with a noticeable effort, thisis considered the first sign of moisture intrusion into the liquid and a decrease in the freezing point. This compound should be replaced immediately to avoid system failure in extreme cold.

Special fluid testers are commercially available. They determine the degree of moisture in percent. Composition with a water content of 4 percent or more requires immediate replacement. The cost of the device rarely exceeds 2 thousand rubles.

Which composition is better to use

Before carrying out maintenance, read the operating instructions for the car. In general, DOT 4 is suitable for all cars, but for older models before 1991, it is better to use DOT 3.

When buying through an online store, it is most convenient to use articles. Articles suitable for ordering DOT 4: pfb401, pfb405, pfb420. Such liquids begin to freeze at a temperature of -45 degrees, and the boiling point is 260-280 degrees.

Part numbers for DOT 5.1 fluid are pfb501, pfb505, pfb520. The pour point is -45 degrees, and the boiling point is 280-290 degrees.

TRW brake fluid: reviews from car owners

Compositions from TRW are used in cars from Japanese, Korean, German, Russian manufacturers. Car owners point to good lubricating and anti-corrosion properties, as well as frost resistance.

All users report improved brake pedal accuracy and a significant reduction in free play. The composition works properly for the entire declared service life and can last up to three years. Low cost and excellent technical performance are the determining factor when buying products from TRW.