When should I replace my brake hose?

August 23, 2022

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When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, the condition of your brake hose is likely the last thing that springs to mind.

Many drivers overlook this aspect of vehicle maintenance and aren’t even aware that their brake hoses need replacing at some point during their car or motorcycle’s lifespan.

However, these tubes play a vital part in your vehicle’s brake system, and without them, your safety is compromised.

This means you need to check them regularly for any potential damage or defects, but how can you tell if they require some attention?

Here are some of the most common scenarios in which your brake hose should be replaced.

Deterioration

Like any other part of your vehicle, your brake lines are susceptible to natural wear and tear, and they’ll deteriorate over time.

For instance, as water builds up in the brake fluid, brake lines – stainless steel brake lines in particular – tend to rust and corrode from the inside.

Rubber brake hoses deteriorate due to heat and moisture build-up cause by the brake fluid, significantly reducing their structural integrity over time.

If the first signs of deterioration are spotted during one of your routine vehicle maintenance checks, it’s a good idea to have your brake hose replaced ASAP – to avoid further problems down the road.

Cracks and breaks

Day-to-day, your brake lines are exposed to a world of elements that, again, cause them to deteriorate.

UV rays, salt, road debris, extreme weather conditions and more can all affect the condition of your brake lines, weakening their structure and causing them to break.

It’s these breaks and cracks that ultimately lead to the failure of the system, so keeping an eye out for them when carrying out your maintenance checks is vital.

If you spot any cracks or breaks, or they appear close to breaking, you’ll need to replace your brake hose immediately.

Collapse

Rubber brake lines also have the potential to collapse, meaning that at some point along its length, the hose is pinched and shut off, thus stopping the brake fluid from getting where it needs to be.

Collapses are a little trickier to spot by eye, but there are some tell-tale signs, like your vehicle pulling to one side when you engage the brakes.

First, check your callipers and if you find no damage there, replace your brake hose as soon as you can.

Stainless steel brake lines don’t tend to collapse in this way, but they can be permanently dented by road debris, which can negatively impact your vehicle’s braking system.

Therefore, if this defect is spotted, you should replace your brake lines right away.