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Everything You Need To Know About Brake Lines

What Is Brake Line?

Hydraulic pressure would be generated in the master brake cylinder when the driver would press the brake pedal. Then a braking force would be produced from this and the hydraulic pressure should be transmitted to the wheel brakes with the help of the brake fluid. In the motor automobiles, this would happen via the brake lines.

 

If there would be some flaws in the brake lines, then the moisture can get into the brake system from outside. This can give rise to the vapour locks forming in the brake fluid and can also damage the braking effect or sometimes it might also cause a full brake failure. That is the reason why the brake pipes and brake hoses should be inspected on a regular basis.

 

We are all aware that the brake is a safety-relevant system in the automobile, that’s why its inspections as well as repair work on brake pipes d brake hoses as on all other parts of the brake system should be carried out by a trained mechanic.

 

So, make sure to check them during every inspection and should be replaced immediately with if there are some flaws in it. In a similar manner, if the driver would observe a decline in braking effect, then it is advisable to inspect the brake pipes and brake hoses.

Features of Brake Line

Here are some features of the brake lines:

 

  • It should be copper-fused and terne-coated
  • There should be alloy coating: 4 parts lead to 1-part tin
  • It should have vibration-resisting steel outer wall
  • The steel walls should be fused
  • There should be stainless steel braided brake line
  • It should be PVC coated to guard against wear as well as tear
  • Presence of OEM designs to provide true OE replacement
  • Lines should utilize OEM style grommets for precise fitment
  • Stainless Steel fittings must resist corrosion in rough conditions

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Brake Line

Generally, a defective brake master cylinder might start producing the following symptoms to alert the driver that there is a requirement of service. Have a look at them below:

 

  1. Abnormal brake pedal behavior - The first symptom which is generally related to a faulty brake master cylinder is weird behavior of the brake pedal. It is the master cylinder which would generate all of the pressure for the car braking system parts. If it would develop any sort of problems sealing or distributing pressure, then it might be felt in the pedal. With the passage of time as well as constant use, the seals which are inside of the cylinder can wear out and can give rise to the internal leaks. A defective brake master cylinder might result in a pedal that would feel mushy, spongy, or that would slowly sink to the floor when it has been depressed.
  2. Contaminated brake fluid - One another symptom of a faulty master cylinder is that the brake fluid might be contaminated. Rubber seals are used by the brake master cylinders which can break down and then wear out with the passage of time. When this is done, it might contaminate the brake fluid and then it would be turned into dark brown or black color. The brake master cylinder whose seals have been work out would also not be able to hold brake pressure in an effective manner and it would give rise to sloppy pedal or one that would slowly sink into the floor.
  3. Check Engine Light comes on - One major symptom which is noticed in the latest automobiles is the flashing up of the check engine light. There are brake fluid level and pressure sensors installed in the master cylinder in the braking systems of the latest vehicles. The main purpose of these sensors is to find any issue with the automobile’s brake fluid pressure, which is produced by the master cylinder. If it is detected that there is a drop in the pressure, then it can due to some issues in the master cylinder. The brake master cylinder is the heart of the braking system and at the same time plays an important role in the handling and safety characteristics of the vehicle. If the brake master cylinder in an automobile would not be in perfect condition, then that car would be very dangerous to drive. That is the reason why if you find out that there are some defects in your brake master cylinder, then you must get your car brake system parts checked from an experienced technician.

Tools Needed for Brake Line

It is said that a workman is only as good as his tools, and it is definitely true when it comes to the car bodywork. It is vital to have the right tools to repair your Brake line or else a straightforward job would turn into constant headaches. So that’s why we have listed out some invaluable tools below which you will need while repairing your Brake Line.

 

Top Brands for Brake Line

You won’t have to think a lot while purchasing if you are already using a particular car part brand and are fully satisfied with it. There are a lot of people which trust a specific brand and would go with it once again with a minimum of thought. Here we have the best Brake Line brands to help you out in choosing your favorite one in case you don’t have any. So, what are you waiting for? Have a look below and choose the best brand for your Brake Line.


Dorman Brake Line

Hurst Brake Line

Rancho Brake Line

Softech Brake Line

Related Parts Brake Line Work

The brighter you are, the more you have to learn! That’s why we are here to provide you more knowledge about the related parts of the car Brake Line. They are mentioned below as follows: -

 

Brake Line Replacement Cost

If you are looking for Brake Line Replacement Cost”, Brake Line Replacement Labor Cost”, “Average Cost of Brake Line Swap” or “How Much Does It Cost to Replace A Car Brake Line, then keep on reading further! If you are seeing blown Brake line signs from your vehicle, then it means that a repair bill is coming. More than other failures on a car, there is nothing that is like a faulty Brake Line. Now if your car Brake Line goes bad, then it would cause a lot of issues in the functioning of your car and it would turn into an abandoned home. Don’t worry and just think about the happiness when an empty shell would become whole again and much better than it was earlier through quality Brake Line replacement. Keep in mind that the Brake line replacement cost would depend upon the type of automobile, brand, as well as various other factors. If you want to substitute your brake line, then it would generally range between $151 to $240. Talking about the work expenses, they would range between $104.98 to $202.96 and the parts would be valued somewhere in the range of $36.96 to $59.76.

How to Change Brake Line?

Here are the steps to change the brake line:

 

Step 1

 

If you want to restore your brake line, then you must consider upgrading the line to a copper-nickel line which would be more resistant to rust as well as corrosion.

 

Step 2

 

If there are some panels in the way, then they should be removed. It is essential to loosen the nuts before you start jacking up the car if the car wheel has to be removed.

 

Step 3

 

A line wrench should be used on these fittings. Just keep your rags ready so that you can clean up the spilled fluid.

 

Step 4

 

Now if it would run out of the fluid, then there would be a requirement to bleed the entire system as opposed to just one or two wheels. You can always make your own plug with a short section of tubing as well as extra fitting.

 

Step 5

 

One end of the tube should be pinched flat with the pliers and it should be folded over itself to make a seal. The fitting should be put on and then carefully flare the other end. Now this should be screwed onto any piece in your brake line to stop the leakage of fluid.

 

Step 6

 

There might be a few bends so utilize some string to get the length and then the string should be measured.

 

Step 7

 

This should be started by hand so you don’t cross thread anything and then your line wrench should be used to tighten it.

 

Step 8

 

These mounts would keep the line from bending as well as flexing so all of them should be utilized.

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John Framigllia
Technical Writer
Our technical writer is known for simplifying automotive parts and services. Intuitive with various vehicles and manufacturers, he knows how to simplify complicated problems.