How to Repair Your Brake Line
Braking occurs so often that it’s just a normal part of traveling around Annapolis, Highland Beach, and Hillsmere Shores. In fact, it’s such a routine practice when driving that you probably don’t stop to think about the several parts that go into bringing your vehicle to a stop when needed.
One part that has the lead role in the performance of bringing your vehicle to a stop is your brake line. Fortunately, this part usually has a long life expectancy, but the day will come that your brake line will need to be replaced. To help you do just that, we here at MINI of Annapolis have created this “How to Repair Your Brake Line” reference guide.
Ready to learn more? Keep reading!
What Is a Brake Line?
In simplest terms, a brake line is a tube that carries the fluid that allows your vehicle to come to a stop. Most vehicles use a hydraulic braking system, which means that brake fluid travels from the master cylinder to the calipers, which then forces them to clamp down on the rotors and brings your vehicle to a stop.
If there are any issues with your brake line, you might not be able to stop when you need to.
Signs & Symptoms
If you find yourself needing to replace your brake line, there’s a variety of visual and mechanical signs that your brake line needs replacing. Some of the visual signs include you’re noticing cracks, frays, or corrosion along the brake line. You may also notice leaks.
In addition to some of the visual signs, you may also have a dashboard light come on or your fluid level sensor may fail. At the first sign of these issues you’ll need to have your brake line replaced.
How to Repair Your Brake Line
When repairing your brake line, the first step is to jack up your car and examine the extent of the damage. You’ll want to look for how much of the brake line needs replacing and add an extra few inches of non-damaged brake line. This helps to assure that the issue most likely will not quickly return.
Next, you’ll want to cut a strip of the new brake line minus one-half inch where the compression fitting—used to join the two pieces of brake line—will sit. To install this compression fitting, slide the ring onto the piece of undamaged brake line as far as possible.
Then, slide the piece of new brake line into the other side and tighten the nut to securely fasten.
After the two pieces are tightly fastened and you’ve connected the new brake line to a new adapter piece, you’ll want to bleed your brakes. This means that you’re removing any air from your brake line. To achieve this, you’ll open the bleeder screw and allow the brake fluid to flow through.
Keep doing this until there’s a steady stream of brake fluid that flows, then close the bleeder screw, and fill the brake fluid reservoir.
Visit Our Dealership Today
When it comes time to repair your brake line, we here at MINI of Annapolis have everything you need to quickly and efficiently resolve this brake system issue. For those looking for a DIY project, stop by our parts department to pick up all the tools and parts you need to repair your brake line yourself.
For those who prefer one of our certified technicians to repair your brake line for you, you can quickly schedule a service appointment online. Regardless who will be repairing your brake line, our dealership is here to help you get back on the streets of Annapolis, Highland Beach, and Hillsmere Shores in little or no time at all.