SAE J1165 Reporting Cleanliness Levels of Hydraulic Fluids
Bulldozers, motor vehicle braking systems, mechanical lifts and other machinery are frequently powered by hydraulic systems composed of sensitive pistons, pumps, seals and valves. If the hydraulic fluid becomes contaminated with particles from the atmosphere, fluid degradation, microorganisms, wear debris or other sources, it may lead to expensive system damage or failure. This method determines the ISO Solid Contaminant Code for the hydraulic fluid a two number code calculated from the concentration of particles >5 µm and >15µm. The first number is often an indication of the silting condition of the fluid and the second number is often an indication of amount of wear debris.
The sample is analyzed using an automatic optical particle counter. Reported is the number of particles in 100 ml sample >5µm and >15µm, and the two digit ISO Solid Contaminant Code.
This method is considered obsolete by SAE. It has been replaced by ISO 4406. This test is still offered by Petro-Lubricant Testing Laboratories as a service to our clients.