If you are like most people, when you think about the braking system on your BMW X7 or 4 Series, you think about replacing or repairing brake pads or rotors. But in reality, there is a lot more involved in getting your car to stop when you need it to. Other parts like brake lines, calipers, and hoses all play a role and, like any other component, need regular checking for deterioration.
Unlike the squealing or grinding sounds that come from underneath your car when the pads or rotors are worn, how can you tell if your brake lines might be failing? Well, read below for the answers to your questions.
What Are the Symptoms of Brake Line Failure?
If you are driving your BMW down the road and notice that the brake pedal seems soft or mushy, the vehicle pulls to one side while braking, or your dash light suddenly comes on, it could be a sign of a leaky brake line. In addition, a low brake fluid reservoir level or a puddle beneath the car often indicates an issue, because the brake fluid is leaking somewhere. A catastrophic failure of the brakes is a clear signal something serious is happening and the car should not be driven until the brake system is thoroughly checked.
What Role Does the Brake Line Play in Slowing My Car?
To answer this question, it is important to know the basics of how brakes work on your BMW. When you press on the pedal, the pressure activates the master cylinder and in turn, sends brake fluid through a steel line toward a pump (cylinder) at each wheel. The pressure engages the braking mechanism, forcing the pads to make contact with the disc (rotors). This friction slows the vehicle and eventually brings the car to a stop when needed.
The brake lines consist of both rubber and steel piping. The main portion of the line is made of steel that runs from the master cylinder down toward each of the pads and rotors. Steel can rust and deteriorate just like any other component, and the technician will look for cracks and soft spots along the length of the tubing.
The rubber tubing portion is the part of the line that connects the caliper of each brake to the steel line. Most leaks occur at this junction because these rubber connectors can harden and become brittle over time.
What Do Technicians Look For in Brake Line Replacement?
The certified technicians will place your BMW on a rack and raise it. Once the car is in the air, they can visually inspect each line and search for evidence of leaking fluids. This also allows the technician access to clearly determine where the issue might be occurring.
If a leak is detected, the technician will remove the old line and install a new one, making sure that the bends in the line are exactly as specified for your make and model. After attaching the line to each tire, the technician will refill the master cylinder and bleed each line of any air bubbles. This ensures a direct flow of brake fluid from the master cylinder to the braking mechanism of each tire. Finally, the car will be hooked up to a diagnostic machine so that any warning lights from your dash might be reset.
The techs at Fremont Foreign Auto can perform this work with a minimum of hassle to you. Feel free to book an appointment should you suspect any kind of issue with your braking system.
