Are Brake Fluid and Power Steering Fluid the Same?
1 Answers
Brake fluid and power steering fluid are not the same. The "brake fluid" in a car, also known as "hydraulic brake fluid," is the liquid "medium" that transmits braking pressure in the car's hydraulic braking system. Power steering fluid, also referred to as "steering fluid" or "steering gear oil," is used in the steering system to transmit hydraulic pressure. Power steering fluid has higher viscosity, poorer fluidity, a distinct odor, and some corrosiveness. Here are the differences between the two: 1. Lubrication: Brake fluid does not have a lubrication function, whereas power steering fluid not only transmits hydraulic pressure (force) but also lubricates gears, bearings, and other components. 2. Temperature Resistance: Brake fluid operates within a range of -40°C to 288°C, while power steering fluid functions between -40°C and 170°C. From this, it can be seen that brake fluid has a slightly wider range than power steering fluid. 3. Usage: Brake fluid can, under certain conditions, substitute for clutch fluid in addition to being used in the braking system. Power steering fluid can, under certain conditions, replace automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in addition to its use in the power steering system. However, this is not absolute and depends on the characteristics of the transmission. 4. Volatility: Brake fluid tends to evaporate more under high-temperature conditions, whereas power steering fluid has weaker volatility under the same conditions. Similarly, during transportation, the "safety" of the former requires more attention.
