What is the Brake Hose all about?
A car can have up to four brake hoses, with each hose attached to a braking component. Brake hoses transfer the brake fluid from the master cylinder (brake fluid reservoir) to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders.
When you apply the brakes, brake fluid causes the brake pads to press against the rotors, causing the car to slow down or stop. If brake fluid cannot flow correctly because the brake hose is leaking or cracked, the brakes will not work properly.
Brake hoses are made of rubber and it is common for a brake hose to become hard and brittle, causing cracks and leaks. When that happens, you will notice fluid under your car or on the wheels. You will also notice the brake pedal is easier to push.
Keep in mind:
- Your vehicle has multiple brake hoses, so it may be that only one of the hoses needs to be replaced; if a hose has internal blockage, however, then all hoses should be replaced.
- Your brake hydraulic system will need to be flushed during this service.
How it's done:
- Inspect brake hoses.
- Remove and replace if cracked or leaking.
- Replace brake fluid by bleeding all air and contamination out of brake system.
- Perform brake safety inspection.
- Inspect brake system for fluid leaks.
- Perform test drive.
Our recommendation:
Keeping the brake hoses in good condition is important for your safety. Ask your mechanic to inspect the brake hoses every time you get a tire rotation or brake service. It is recommended that the hoses are inspected every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Brake Hose?
- You may see a clear fluid on the ground and around the wheels.
- When you apply brakes, the pedal goes all the way to the floor.
- Brakes are not working.
How important is this service?
All services associated with proper function of your brakes are important. In addition to safety issues, ignoring small repairs can quickly lead to more serious (and more expensive) problems.
