Quick Facts About Brake Line Repair
- Brake lines may need repair due to issues like corrosion, deterioration, fatigue, and accident related damage.
- Key signs you need a brake line repair include a spongy brake pedal.
- A brake line repair is cheaper than most braking system repairs.
Your braking system comprises multiple components, from the large chunks of metal like the rotors to rubber or metal tubes like the brake lines. All the parts work together to bring your car to a stop, making them an important safety feature. However, your braking system requires maintenance over time, which can get costly.
But there’s one part – – the brake line — that may not cost as much as other brake system parts. In this story, we’ll tell you about brake lines, repairs, and why the least expensive option may not make sense.
What Is a Brake Line?
A brake line connects the brake calipers to the master cylinder and transfers the brake fluid between them. Despite being among the smallest braking system components, the brake line is one of the most important. The brake fluid through the brake line provides the braking system the power to drive your car to a stop.
Brake lines are made up of rubber or metal tubes created to withstand immense pressure.
How Brake Lines Can Become Compromised
Metal brake lines should last roughly the lifetime of your car, but that doesn’t always happen. According to Gary Hardesty, Kelley Blue Book’s in-house service and maintenance expert and an ASE certified master technician, metal brake lines can break down from outside influences like corrosion, fatigue, and impact damage. Rubber lines can become compromised as well.
“The rubber brake lines will deteriorate much like a tire will develop cracks,” said Hardesty. “These require periodic inspection with no set replacement interval, as many factors contribute to overall degradation.”
If a brake line needs repair due to damage, get your vehicle inspected immediately. Key signs that something is wrong with your brakes include sponginess in the pedal and squealing noises from the wheel area.
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“When a brake line goes you have a compromised brake system,” Hardesty said. “The brake system works by pressure. The pressure will find the least path of resistance, allowing brake fluid to escape the closed system.”
“In general, you can replace just the brake line that failed and bleed the brake system to remove air from the system being opened to the environment,” Hardesty added. “If the brake line failed, it is a best practice to inspect all the lines for damage or wear and replace any that look to be showing signs of degrading.”
Brake Line Repairs: What You Can Expect To Spend
Repairing or replacing a brake line can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the severity of the line damage.
Some estimates suggest that a new brake line can cost between $150 and $300, depending on the type of vehicle you drive.
Why You Shouldn’t Get The Cheapest Repair
While on some maintenance services like an oil change, the cheapest may make sense. However, any maintenance and repair dealing with your brakes does not fall in that category. The braking system is among your vehicle’s most important and can protect you from crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 22% of crashes are due to a brake-related problem.
“Brakes are one of those systems that you should not ever take the cheapest fix,” Hardesty said. “The brakes are one of the most important aspects of a vehicle.”
He advises finding a trusted and reputable mechanic to perform your brake line repair.
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