The braking speed of a vehicle is more important than its acceleration. Despite warning lights indicating a decreased fluid level in the main reservoir, a car's brakes can stop working quite unexpectedly. Here are some general tips on how to change your brake hoses although the procedures may vary slightly depending on the vehicle.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Inspect the Brake Hoses
Step 1. Check for brake fluid leaks
Open the hood and find the master cylinder or brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment. Check your car's manual to find the exact location if you're not sure.
A decrease in liquid generally indicates worn-out tablets. Replace the lost liquid and close the cylinder again before continuing with the inspection. Also check that the master cylinder is not wet and shows no signs that it needs to be replaced. It is useless to change the brake hoses if there is a bigger problem first
Step 2. Remove the wheels to inspect the pipes
Remove the hubcap, loosen the nuts and jack up the car. The pipes are behind the wheel.
Step 3. Follow the pipes and visually check their condition
Pay particular attention to where they hook onto the wheel cylinders. Change the cylinders if they show signs of moisture.
Step 4. Move along the underside of the vehicle looking for signs of leaks
You may need to touch the tube itself, the liquid is clear and hard to see.
- An effective way to check for leaks is to ask someone to press the brake pedal while you check at specific points. It may be easier to replace just a portion of the pipe instead of the whole system, provided you understand the problem and know where it is.
- Also, if there are leaks, it is likely that the whole system is worn out and still needs to be changed, so it would be better to take your time and change the whole system and fix everything.
Step 5. Get the necessary replacement parts
Once the inspection is complete and you understand where the problem is, take a replacement hose to an auto parts store, make sure it is the right length and size for the job. You will need brass connectors to join the two parts of the hose together and clip it to the brake assembly.
Part 2 of 3: Change the brake hoses
Step 1. Loosen the tubes
Spray some WD-40 type lubricant where the hose and brake caliper or drum cross and also spray any rusty parts. Let the parts loosen for about an hour before trying to move them.
Step 2. Remove the tube you intend to replace
Loosen and remove the fittings with a wrench. Remove the hoses if you see any signs of leaks. Detach all clips and fasteners holding the hose to the uprights or bodywork and remove the old hose.
- If only part of the pipe is leaking and you don't want to replace everything, cut it with a pipe cutter by stopping it with clamps and twisting until it detaches and plugs the pipe to prevent further leaks.
- Careful with the brake fluid and always wear protective gloves while you work. Brake fluid can ruin the paint on the car and irritate the skin, so be careful.
Step 3. Put on the new tube and secure it with new fittings
Use the pipe cutter to cut a piece of pipe of the required length and then hook it with brass connectors or put it in the fittings previously used with the old pipe.
Depending on the model of your vehicle it may be a good idea to mark the fittings with colored tape to remind you where they go. Often there is not much space to move, so you will have to do a lot using touch and it is difficult if you do not remember where the connections must be
Step 4. Replace the liquid lost in the master cylinder
Double-check the level in the master cylinder and fill it if necessary before attaching the hoses to the brake assembly and testing the brakes.
Step 5. Bleed the brake hoses
Remove the bleed screw from the brake assembly and ask someone to press the brake pedal to eliminate air from the hoses before reattaching them.
Part 3 of 3: Testing the Brakes
Step 1. Put the wheels back
Put the wheels back on the hubs and put the nuts back in place by hand. Then lower the vehicle to the ground, tighten the nuts firmly and replace the hubcap.
Step 2. Remove the slack from the tubes
Press the brake pedal a few times with the engine off to remove all the slack from the brake hose.
Step 3. Take a test drive to see if the brakes are working properly
Run at a slow speed and occasionally press hard to see how they react. If they still feel soft purge them again before finishing the job.
Advice
- Follow normal safety procedures when lifting the vehicle.
- Change the tubes in pairs. When one pipe needs to be purged, the other will also have the same need.
- Prevents brake fluid from coming into contact with rubber or plastic parts.
- Protect your hands with suitable gloves.
Warnings
- Use only fluid and hoses recommended for the make and model of your vehicle. Consult the car manual or the auto parts shop.
- The brake fluid dissolves the car paint. In case it comes into contact, rinse immediately with cold water.
