Brake lines

/// Mister-Auto’s DIY Guides

www.mister-auto.co.uk - 0844 338 00 21*Please note: free and informative document for which Mister-Auto does not accept any responsibility or liability.

CHANGING BRAKE LINES

- 1 set of spanners

20 min / wheel

EQUIPMENT

DIFFICULTY

TIME

Brake hoses or brake lines make up the last part of the hydraulic brake system. They are connected to the brake calipers. Thanks to the brake lines, the pressurised brake fluid can be inserted in the callipers so that the brake pads can be pressed against the brake disc. Although the entire brake system consists of rigid steel pipes, the hoses need to be flexible due to their location close to the moving parts of the car. A rigid hose wouldn’t be able to follow and adapt to the wheel and suspension movements and thus break easily.

BRAKE LINES

Before ordering new brake lines, always carefully study the ones on your vehicle. The front brake lines differ from the rear ones. Never mount a brake hose that is too long or too short. A brake line that is too short will explode due to the pressure of the brake fluid. A brake line that is too long can easily run against the wheel and

get damaged. So it is essential to select the right size when buying brake lines. In addition, a brake hose often has a assembly side (right is off side, left near side). Also bear in mind that on Mister-Auto.co.uk all brake lines are sold a piece.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BRAKE HOSES?

A brake hose consists of three layers: a first of rubber, a braided second one of a synthetic textile and a third plastic covering layer for protection. Over time the plastic wears in particular. To avoid your brake hose breaking or cracking, it is important to check its state over regular intervals. We recommend you check your brake lines once every four years.

To find out if they are still good, you only need to bend them and see if any cracks appear in the rubber. If that is the case, you will need to replace the brake hose in question.

HOW DO I KNOW MY BRAKE LINE IS BROKEN?

http://car-parts.mister-auto.co.uk/en/brake-hose_lg83/



CHANGING BRAKE LINES IN 10 EASY STEPS

Jack up your car and take off a wheel.

Start removing the first brake line. Begin with the top part using a type 10 or 11 spanner.

Keep the container underneath the brake hose as some brake fluid may still flow out.

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BRAKE LINES

Remove the brake hose



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Put a container underneath the brake hose and open the brake fluid reservoir. Pump out as much fluid as possible to avoid it spilling onto the ground when you are removing your brakes hoses. Also empty the reservoir.3

Generally, a car has four brake lines: two at the front and two at the rear or one per wheel.

Compare your new brake hose to the one installed on your vehicle. If they are identical, you can start dismounting your old brake hose.2

Comparez les flexibles



Install the new brake line starting with the caliper side. Tighten sufficiently but not too much to avoid damaging the fittings.

Connect the top part to the steel brake hose. Make sure the line is not twisted and well installed into the steel guiding. Lastly check if the brake hose can move freely.

Bleed the brakes.

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Take the protective cap off the old brake hose and put it onto the new one. The purpose of this part is to avoid damage to the brake hose due to scraping against the car’s body or wheel.7


Free the end of the brake line connected to the caliper. In case the bolt is stuck, lubricate it a little.6

Install the new hose

Starting with the caliper side

Top of an installed brake line Tighten properly

Connect the top

BRAKE LINES

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Automotive

Brake lines