*TB 43-0002-87
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY TECHNICAL BULLETIN
BRAKE FLUID, SILICONE (BFS) CONVERSION PROCEDURES
FOR TANK-AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT
Headquarters, Department of the Army, Washington, DC
5 February 1982
REPORTING OF ERRORS AND RECOMMENDING IMPROVEMENTS
You can help improve this technical bulletin. If you find any mistakes or if you know a way to improve
the procedures, please let us know. Mail your letter, DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publi-
cations and Blank Forms), direct to: Commander, US Army Tank-Automotive Command, ATTN:
DRSTA-MB, Warren, MI 48090. A reply will be sent to you.
b. Fielded vehicles/equipment (Commercial, Tactical,
1. Purpose. This bulletin provides instructions to Organ-
M48/M60 Series Tanks, and Trailers) will be converted
izational, Direct Support, General Support, and Depot
to BFS during scheduled maintenance or unscheduled
Maintenance personnel responsible for conversion of
brake system maintenance. Construction and material
hydraulic brake systems from the use of the present
handling equipment brake systems utilizing polyglycol
polyglycol brake fluid to silicone brake fluid. This bulle-
will be converted during scheduled or unscheduled main-
tin also contains the procedures for return of unopened
tenance as well as systems other than brakes (i.e., winch
containers of polyglycol brake fluids.
drum clutches) which utilize polyglycol brake fluid.
c. Foreign manufactured vehicles/equipment are not
NOTE
included in the BFS program.
Support for these
Schedule for conversion is July 1981
vehicles/equipment will be accomplished through the
through June 1982.
local economy.
4. Parts and Supplies.
2. Scope. These procedures are for use by the US Army
a. Brake Fluid, Silicone, Automotive, MIL-B-46176:
fortheonversion of Tank-Automotive vehicle/equip-
NSN 9150-01-102-9455 - Plastic container, 1 gallon.
ment hydraulic brake systems from the use of polyglycol
brake fluids (Federal Specifications W-B-680 and Mili-
b. Filler Bleeder, Hydraulic, NSN 4910-00-273-3658,
tary Specifications MIL-H-13910 or MIL-P-46046) to
MIL-F-19849.
Brake Fluid, Silicone, Automotive, All Weather, Opera-
c. Clear flexible tubing, l/4 inch inside diameter,
tional
and
(BFS)
(Specification
NSN 4720-00-818-3476.
MIL-B-46176).
3. Conversion Criteria. Tank-Automotive vehicle/equip-
NOTE
ment conversion to BFS will be accomplished in the
If permanent decals are not available at the
following manner:
time of conversion to BFS, use a suitable tag
a. New non-tactical (commercial) vehicles/
stating "Caution Use Silicone Brake Fluid
equipment received with polyglycol brake fluid -
Only, MIL-B-46176." Attach to master
will be replenished with BFS whenever brake fluid
cylinder. Replace tag with a permanent
additions are required. These vehicles/equipment
decal when available.
are to be retrofitted with BFS at the time of major
brake system maintenance. Vehicles/equipment in
d. Permanent decal, NSN 7690-01-11l-2265, P/N
depots will be converted to BFS prior to shipment. 12302516, Manufacturer Code 19207.
*This bulletin supersedes TB 43-0002-87
20 April, 1981
