GENERAL BRAKE FLUID - BB00.40-P-0330-01A
These specifications are valid for the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands.
General
The brake fluid in the brake system and in the hydraulic clutch operating system fulfills hydraulic tasks. Due to
the high heat build-up during braking, these tasks can only be fulfilled by brake fluids which comply with all of
today's technical requirements in terms of their various properties (viscosity-temperature-characteristic, boiling
point, corrosion protection, oxidation resistance, etc.).
The most important properties which a brake fluid must exhibit are:
High boiling point, to ensure that the brake fluid does not form vapor locks at high temperatures. Vapor
locks reduce the operating pressure and thus the braking effect and may ultimately lead to brake failure.
The boiling point should remain as constant as possible throughout the duration of use of the coolant and
not drop under varying atmospheric influences or operating conditions (pressure, temperature), i.e. the
"wet boiling point" should be as high as possible.
Low compressibility, in particular at high temperatures.
The low-temperature characteristic of the fluid - even when at 40°C - must permit operation, i.e.
primarily, the viscosity must not become too high in the cold.
Compatibility with the materials used in the brake units and clutch operating systems, e.g. the rubber
boots or any other seal materials (elastomers) included in the brake components may only swell to a
controlled extent, any shrinkage must be avoided.
Sufficient corrosion protection for all metals present in the brake system.
The brake fluids released for use in MB vehicle models are listed on Sheet 331.0. These brake fluids not only
comply with our requirements, but also those of the US safety specifications FMVSS 116, DOT 4. The released
"DOT 4 plus" brake fluids (internal designation) are more advanced DOT 4 brake fluids with higher wet boiling
point, standard change interval: 2 years. In order to be able to comply with this useful period without any
problem, we strongly advise the use of released products as per Sheet 331.0, during the warranty phase this is a
precondition for any acceptance of customer claims.
The brake fluid listed on Sheet 331.1 "DOT 4 Type 200" is released for special applications in the UNIMOG
range with more stringent thermal requirements. For this type of use, a brake fluid change interval of 1 year
must be adhered to.
Handling brake fluid
Brake fluid based on polyhydric alcohols in oligomer or polymer form and/or their
Esters are hygroscopic and thus absorbs moisture from the air. Water, however, reduces the boiling point of the
brake fluid, whereby the danger of vapor lock formation is present. Therefore it should be noted that brake fluid
is always stored in sealed vessels. Brake fluid that has been stored unsealed can absorb so much moisture in a
few hours that it is rendered unusable.
2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
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