When to Replace Your Brake Hose
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A question we get from time to time is whether or not you should replace a brake hose when you are replacing calipers. Just because a brake hose looks good externally doesn't mean it doesn't need to be replaced. In this video, we walk you through the steps of properly inspecting brake hoses.
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Brake hoses do not have a recommended replacement interval. We recognize that many shops and technicians always replace brake hoses when replacing calipers. This is a good practice.
However, if you re-use brake hoses, it is critical that you know the signs of when to replace a brake hose.
External Inspection:
The first step is to do a visual inspection of the brake hoses. Make sure to look for the following:
1. Cracks or Physical Damage: Run your hands over the hose and check for any physical damage. Flex the hose and make sure there aren’t any cracks.
2. Leaks: Make sure that the brake hose isn’t leaking brake fluid.
3. Blisters: Have someone pump the brake pedal and look for any changes in the shape of the brake hose.
4. Signs of Corrosion: Look for corrosion on the brackets/mounting hardware. Rust on these brackets can cause the bracket to clamp down and constrict the brake hose.
You will need to replace the brake hose if you notice any of these problems.
Internal Inspection:
Many technicians will stop after an external inspection of the hose. But an external inspection won’t tell you if there is an internal brake hose restriction.
If the brake hose has a restriction, there is enough pressure from the master cylinder for the brake fluid to pass through the restriction and apply the brakes.
However, the square cut seal of the caliper doesn’t generate enough pressure to push the brake fluid back upstream. This means the brakes will remain applied, causing issues like brake drag, premature wear and overheated brakes. To check for a brake hose restriction, simply open up the bleeder screw of the caliper and see if the brakes gravity bleed.
If the brake fluid bleeds normally, there is no problem inside the brake hose. If the fluid is dripping irregularly, that is a sign of a brake hose restriction. If this is the case, you will need to replace the brake hose(s).