Brake Pipe

Given that both your brake hose and pipe play a vital role in helping your brakes to function, it's only right that your vehicle won't pass its MOT if they are worn out. The brake hose carries hydraulic fluid from the brake pipe to the callipers, forcing the callipers together and clamping the brake pads around the rotors when you place your foot on the brake pedal. The brake pipe is a rigid (usually steel – which can corrode over time) pipe that transfers pressurised brake fluid from the master cylinder, where brake fluid is stored, to the brake hoses. The brake hose is made of flexible, reinforced rubber piping that is designed to withstand oil and water as well as the high pressure exerted when the braking system is in use; however, being constantly exposed to the elements and in regular movement, it will, eventually, wear out. It’s essential to replace a worn hose or braking will be affected; this safety issue would result in a failed MOT. Brake failure is certainly not worth the risk. Make sure you check the integrity of your braking system regularly.

As most brake lines in the majority of cars are made from rubber, they are prone to deteriorate over time. Rubber brake lines can become brittle and hard, causing brake fluid to leak out of the system. In this case, the hose should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure a fully functioning braking system. In high performance cars the brake lines are usually made of metal, in most cases one would see braided brake lines which are usually a little tougher. Servicing the brake lines is key to ensure a fully functioning brake system. Always service the brakes according to the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer. If you experience trouble when braking, you ought to seek the help of an expert. Brake problems can, of course, potentially lead to dangerous situations.

Checking the condition of your car's brake pipes is a job that is all too easy to forget because the pipes are mostly hidden underneath the car. However, these pipes can deteriorate to the point where they start to leak, causing a dangerous loss of brake fluid and eventually partial or even complete failure of the braking system. Checking the condition of your car's brake pipes is a job that is all too easy to forget because the pipes are mostly hidden underneath the car. However, these pipes can deteriorate to the point where they start to leak, causing a dangerous loss of brake fluid and eventually partial or even complete failure of the braking system. If you find that you need to keep topping up the brake fluid reservoir more often than usual, then there is a leak somewhere in the brake system. You should immediately check the whole system thoroughly to find and repair the source of the leak. If you find a fluid leak at one of the unions joining a rigid brake pipe to a flexible brake hose, you may be able to stop it simply by tightening the union. If this fails, or if the pipe itself seems to be the source of the leak, then the only cure is to replace that section of pipe. But you should first check the condition of all the brake pipes because you will probably find that, if one pipe has become so corroded that it has started to leak, the other pipes will also be in poor condition. The only safe course then is to replace all the brake pipes.

Make a systematic check of all the pipes by starting at the brake fluid reservoir and working down towards the brakes themselves, checking each length of pipe in turn. Wire-brush away the rust to find the extent of the damage. Wipe the pipe clean of any oily deposits, then run your hands along the pipe to feel for damage - in particular if the pipe feels flattened or corroded at any point. If the surface feels rough because of corrosion, rub it with fine wet-or-dry paper or use a wire brush to see how deep the corrosion goes. Light surface rust is acceptable but if the rust has eaten its way into the metal, the pipe has to be renewed. Where a pipe passes through a bulkhead, check that the grommet holding it there is still in position. If the grommet has come out the pipe will chafe against the side of the hole and may wear through. Make sure the pipe is not damaged and if all is well relocate the grommet. You can glue the grommet in place with impact adhesive if it is prone to becoming loose.

A brake line (also called a brake hose or brake pipe) is a rubber hose that connects the brake master cylinder (and slave cylinders) to the brake calipers at the wheels. Brake fluid flows through the line. When pushing the brake panel, the braking system is activated, the brake fluid running through the brake lines will put pressure on the brake units at the wheels, in turn slowing the car down. The car will have a brake line for each wheel connecting to the central brake master cylinder that regulates the brake system.

How do you know there is something wrong with a Brake Line?
When the brake hose is brittle or hard.
If there is patch of transparent fluid around on of the wheels.
When there is reduced pressure on the brake pedal when braking.
When the brake pedal can be pushed right down to the floor with none of the usual brake pressure.
When the brakes do not work.

Your car will probably have metric brake unions, but it is important to confirm this because they may be imperial. Compare the brake unions on your car with the ones shown above to find out which type they are. In most modern cars, the unions between the pipes and hoses are metric, but you may have an older car that is fitted with imperial thread unions. If you are in doubt, it is important to find out before you start work which type your car has because the flares on the ends of the pipes are shaped differently depending on whether the union is metric or imperial.

Worn Brake Pads: If you suspect fluid is leaking because the level in the reservoir is low, it might be nothing more than worn pads. As the pads wear, more fluid is held in the system (because the caliper piston remains farther out due to the reduced pad material). Damaged Bleeder Valve: Each caliper has a bleeder.

Brake hoses create a flexible connection between brake pipes and wheel brakes. They transmit the hydraulic pressure to the wheel cylinders and brake callipers. Brake hoses are usually made form a special inner and outer rubber with a multi-layer fabric insert in between.

Why Brake Fluid Leaks Are Dangerous. Occasionally a brake system will develop a leak and if left unchecked for long enough this can cause some serious safety concerns. Fortunately, modern cars have a warning light which illuminates on your dash when the fluid level drops too low.

However, if you're losing brake fluid, you need to check for a leak in the wheel cylinders or the brake lines. Wetness and streaks of dried fluid are signs of trouble. If you see rust spots on your lines, gently sand them off. Also look for thin places under those spots that may turn into holes before long.

Sometimes, the worst part of getting your car fixed is having to bring it to the garage. We are therefore happy to offer our customers a free collection and delivery service If you prearrange a collection, we will pick your car up from your home or place of work and drive it to our premises, carry out all the necessary work (having consulted you) and deliver it back to you at the end of the day.

We are able to tow, jump start or repair your vehicle if you are experiencing problems or broken down for a small fee. If we can't sadly start your vehicle, we can contact a local recovery firm to collect your vehicle for a very competitive price.

Don't want to waste your day off?
You don't have the time to take your car in for a service or repairs?
Have you got problems with getting to and from the garage?

Here at Car Services in Reading, we believe that we offer a valuable product with our Free Collection and Delivery Service, we can collect either from your place of work or from your home address. If you are unsure about whether the address you are considering having your vehicle collected from is not within our range, then please do contact us.

Car Services in Reading operate a fleet of pool cars with a dedicated driver, so wherever we are collecting from, we need to be able to leave one of our pool vehicles either in your work car park / parking space, or if in a residential area, we would need to be able to leave our car either at your house or on the road with a permit if required. We would be grateful if you could bear this in mind when booking to use our free Collection and delivery service