How To Diagnose A Failing Brake Line
Brake lines are a critically important part of your vehicle. If they become damaged, your car won’t be able to stop properly. If they fail completely, you will lose brake pressure, and the brakes won’t work at all. And that’s not a situation you want to be in.
Knowing the symptoms of a failing brake line can help keep you and other road users safe. In this blog, we explain the symptoms to look for so you can replace your brake lines before it’s too late.
What Does A Brake Line Do?
Your braking system includes a master cylinder, brake pads, calipers, brake rotors, and brake lines. The brake lines carry brake fluid from the master cylinder to the calipers. The brake fluid transfers force from your foot to the calipers when you depress the brake pedal. This pushes the brake pads onto the rotors, which slows down your vehicle.
Signs That Your Brake Line Might Be Failing
- Leaking brake fluid
- Soft brake pedal
- Poor braking
- Dashboard warning light
Brake lines should last for years. But road hazards, harsh weather conditions, and general wear and tear can damage them. Few of us check the brake lines before every trip, but in most cases, you can tell that your lines are damaged before they fail completely.
The most obvious visual sign is if you spot a puddle of brake fluid underneath the car. Sometimes the brake lines only leak under pressure, so you may not see the leak. If you suspect this is the case, check around the brake calipers on each wheel for any obvious signs of leaking or corrosion.
If the brake pedal suddenly feels spongy or has a very long travel, there may be a tear or cut in the brake lines. This can let air into the system. If you notice a dashboard warning light for your brakes, check the brake fluid reservoir. If it’s low, you may have a leak.
Can You Drive With Failing Brake Lines?
Modern vehicles usually have two or four brake circuits. Generally, in older cars, one circuit works for two wheels that are diagonally opposite to each other. If one circuit fails, the other should still function as normal. Driving like this is not recommended, as you are missing half of your braking power.
In vehicles with antilock braking systems (ABS), each wheel has its own circuit. If a brake line to one wheel is damaged, that wheel won't have full braking power, but the other three should have it.
You may be wondering why you shouldn't drive the vehicle if half or 3/4 of the brakes are actually working. There are several reasons. One problem is that if a line is damaged and leaking, your car will lose brake fluid fairly rapidly. It won't be long until none of the brakes are working well. Another reason is that when a vehicle loses braking at one corner, it will want to pull under braking. It won't stop in a straight line, which is unsafe in an emergency situation.
What Should You Do If Your Brake Lines Are Faulty?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should immediately get your braking system checked. The symptoms above can be related to a bad master cylinder or brake caliper(s) or to a damaged brake line.
If you determine that the issue is with the brake lines, get in touch with LinesToGo for a replacement set. We supply pre-bent brake lines for a wide range of makes and models, both imported and domestic. Our popular brake lines for domestic vehicles includes:
Our popular brake lines for imported vehicles includes:
High-Quality Replacement Brake Lines From LinesToGo
Pre-bent brake lines are superior because:
- They fit just like OE parts
- They are easy to install
- They won’t crimp or break
Our brake lines are designed to be just like factory items. They have OE end forms and fittings and are pre-bent and ready to install. It is extremely dangerous to ignore a failing braking system. If you're experiencing brake line problems, get in touch with LinesToGo and get your replacement brake lines today.
Our brake lines are made from Galfan® coated steel or 304L stainless steel for the best performance and a long life. With free next-day shipping to mainland USA and Canada, you will be back on the road in no time.
