Brake Hoses

Brakes are an essential safety feature of any vehicle, and over time, they require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. The brake hoses on your car are rubber pipes that connect the brake system to the wheel cylinders, providing pressure when you press down on the brake pedal.

Front brake hose

A front brake hose transfers fluid from your brakes’ hydraulic master cylinder to each wheel, which uses it to slow down. Eventually, brake hoses will become brittle and crack under pressure. Although replacing them is easy, you must do so when needed to avoid further damage. If you notice a change in how your car slows down or a spot of leaking fluid on your car or garage floor, it’s time for new brake hoses!

Rear Brake Hose

The rear brake hose connects your car’s hydraulic system to each of your rear brakes, providing a source of fluid in case of brake failure. The rear brake is often associated with emergency braking and should be in prime condition at all times. As you can imagine, a broken or worn-out hose can be extremely dangerous and result in a costly repair bill

Why do we need brake hoses in your car?

Your car’s brake hoses are a little less glamorous than most other car parts, but their function is invaluable. Brake hoses deliver fluid from your vehicle’s master cylinder to its brakes, which transfer kinetic energy from your car into heat through friction—the hotter it gets, the harder you press on that pedal.

The design of the brake hoses

The front brake hose is designed so that it can withstand higher pressures and temperatures than rear brake hoses. This is because, during braking, there is a lot of stress in front brakes and therefore, they require superior materials to resist wear and tear. Automakers often use stainless steel or unique plastic compounds to develop quality front brake hoses.

Rubber hoses and Reinforced hoses

​Depending on what you’re using your car for, you may opt for rubber or reinforced hoses. Rubber hoses are best for low pressure and high-temperature situations where expansion won’t be an issue. Reinforced hoses are sturdier and better suited to high pressure, and expand more than rubber.

How to determine the wear of a brake hose

While it’s true that brake hoses are made of very durable material, they do wear out over time. While there is no fail-safe way to determine when a hose is worn out, there are some things you can do to get an idea of how well your hoses are doing their job. Looking closely at your front brake hose should be part of every routine vehicle inspection.

Signs of brake hose failure

Most of your car’s brake system is hidden from view, so it’s easy to overlook if there are any issues with it. Here are a few signs that indicate you might need to replace your brake hoses. When braking, you hear a squealing or high-pitched humming sound, feel smoke coming from under your hood or smell burning rubber near your wheels when you apply pressure on your brakes; When stopping at an intersection or while driving in heavy traffic, applying pressure on the brake pedal feels soft and spongy; The pedal sinks below its resting position when not pressing down on it and then sticks back up once pressure is released.

Selection of the proper brake hose

Automotive brake hoses are vital safety parts for your vehicle. Brake hoses can wear out over time, so it’s essential to inspect them for cracks and leaks regularly. Your choice of hose will depend on factors such as pressure level, length and material.

Replacing the brake hose

If you’re not replacing other brake system components simultaneously, chances are it’s time to replace your brake hoses. If a hose is damaged or cracked, it can cause poor braking performance, especially when driving down hills or in emergencies. Most manufacturers recommend replacing brake hoses every two years; however, they should be replaced sooner if they become brittle and challenging (as many will). It’s also essential to have your car’s brake hoses inspected every time you get an oil change—the mechanic may notice signs of damage that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Where to go to replace the brake hoses

Changing your brake hoses is a job that most people can do themselves, but make sure you have a jack, jack stands and an automotive lift so you can get underneath your car safely. It’s also a good idea to purchase a repair manual for your car to reference for instructions during installation. Your local auto parts store should have everything you need in stock; if not, order what you need online and wait for it to arrive.

Source of information – onlinecarparts.co.uk and lindleysautocentres.co.uk