Overview
ISO 6120:1995 - "Road vehicles - Brake hose assemblies for hydraulic braking systems used with petroleum‑base brake fluid" specifies test procedures, performance requirements and marking for hydraulic brake hose assemblies used on road vehicles. It applies to assemblies with nominal inside diameters of 3.2 mm or 4.8 mm, made from cord‑reinforced synthetic elastomer hoses assembled with metal end fittings (crimped or swaged) for use with petroleum‑base brake fluid in accordance with ISO 7308.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and construction
- Covers hose construction: elastomeric lining, cord reinforcement plies, outer cover and permitted cushion liner; covers must resist weathering and cracking.
- Assemblies must have permanently attached end fittings; end fittings are defined and may be attached by crimping or swaging.
- Comprehensive test schedule
- Acceptance and performance tests include: hydrostatic pressure, constriction, expansion (volumetric), burst strength, brake fluid compatibility, whip, tensile strength, water absorption, cold bend, ozone resistance (dynamic), hot impulse strength, and salt spray.
- Test sample quantities and order of tests are specified; total example quantity = 36 samples for a full schedule.
- Representative test parameters
- Hydrostatic pressure: for inert gas/air ~10.3–14.5 MPa; for water/brake fluid ~20.7–24.8 MPa (used to detect leaks).
- Burst strength and hold pressures are specified (e.g., hold at 27.6 MPa and minimum burst pressures are defined).
- Expansion and constriction tests use calibrated gauge plugs and burette measurement of volumetric change at specified pressures (e.g., 6.9 MPa and 10.3 MPa test points).
- Marking and identification
- Requirements for marking both hoses and assembled units are provided to ensure traceability and correct application.
Applications and who uses it
- Automotive OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers designing or specifying hydraulic brake hoses and fittings.
- Component manufacturers for production control, type approval and design validation.
- Test laboratories and quality assurance teams performing acceptance and periodic testing to ISO 6120 procedures.
- Regulatory authorities and vehicle inspectors referencing standardized test criteria for safety compliance.
- Useful for anyone involved in brake system design, replacement parts manufacturing, aftermarket suppliers and fleet maintenance to ensure compatibility with petroleum‑base brake fluids.
Related standards
- ISO 7308 - Petroleum‑base brake fluid (reference fluid)
- ISO 7309 - Hydraulic braking systems (test fluids)
- ISO 7500‑1 - Tensile testing machines (calibration)
- ISO 9227 - Salt spray corrosion testing
Keywords: ISO 6120:1995, brake hose assemblies, hydraulic braking systems, petroleum‑base brake fluid, brake hose tests, burst strength, expansion test, constriction test, automotive standards.
