When it comes to the maintenance of your vehicle, checking the brake hose is not usually the first thing that springs to mind. In fact, this aspect of maintenance is often overlooked, and many people are not even aware that their brake hose may need to be replaced in their vehicle’s lifespan.
However, it’s important to bear in mind, these simple tubes play an incredibly important part in your vehicle’s brake system. Without them, brake fluid could not be transported from the master cylinder to the wheels and your vehicle would be unable to stop. They are integral to your safety and, as such, they should be checked on a regular basis for any potential defects or damage.
Here we outline the main scenarios in which your brake hose should be replaced.
Top 3 reasons to replace your brake hose
No. 1: Deterioration
Brake lines are susceptible to natural wear and tear and they can gradually deteriorate over time. For example, as water builds up in the brake fluid, stainless steel brake lines have a tendency to rust and corrode from the inside. Rubber brake hoses also deteriorate due to the heat and moisture in brake fluid, significantly reducing their structural integrity and strength over time.
If the first signs of deterioration are spotted during your vehicle’s routine maintenance, it is a good idea to replace the brake hose, thus avoiding any issues or accidents further down the line.
No. 2: Breaks
On a day-to-day basis, stainless steel and rubber brake hose are exposed to UV rays, salt, road debris, weather conditions, and more. These factors or elements can have a very negative impact on the brake hose, weakening their structure and causing them to break.
Breaks and cracks in the hose ultimately lead to failure of the system; therefore, whenever performing maintenance on your vehicle, it is worth checking for any small holes or cracks. If there is any sign that they are close to breaking, the brake hose needs to be replaced immediately.
No. 3: Collapse
Rubber brake lines also have the potential to collapse. This means that at some point along its length, the hose is pinched and shut off, thus stopping the brake fluid from getting to where it needs to be. Such collapses are often difficult to spot by eye; however, if they occur, the vehicle will usually pull to one side as you are driving. If you feel the vehicle is pulling in this way, first check the calliper for any damage and – if no damage is found – replace the brake hose as soon as possible.
Stainless steel braided lines do not tend to collapse in this way, but they can become permanently dented by road debris. These dents have the same negative effect on your vehicle’s brake system; therefore, if this defect is spotted, the braided brake line should also be replaced.
Contact BrakeQuip for Replacement Brake Hose
A brake hose is designed to last as long as the vehicle; however, in reality, this is often not the case. If your brake hose breaks, collapses or deteriorates and you suddenly need a replacement, BrakeQuip Ltd are here to help. We are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of motorcycle and automotive brake lines and we currently stock both Rubber and Stainless Steel Braided Brake Hose.
Browse through our current collection of brake lines and, if you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. Call us on 01257 220010 or send a quick message using the online contact form.
