What the Brake Lines Do
The master cylinder, where braking pressure is created, joins with the brake calipers by brake lines. These lines are metal from the master cylinder to the vicinity of each wheel, then rubber to the brake caliper. The flexible rubber lines allow the wheel to move during steering and suspension action.
Brake Line Problems
Rubber lines dry rot over time, and there’s not much you can do to prolong their life. Yearly brake inspections will catch this condition; we will recommend replacement before they start to leak. The best indicators of a brake line leak are a puddle of clear fluid under your car, a squishy brake pedal, or the pedal going to the floor when you brake. When brake lines seep fluid, air will enter the system leading to a soft brake pedal.
The metal lines connecting the master cylinder to the flexible lines are subject to corrosion. Rusty lines can also leak. The same indicators of oozing rubber lines apply to the metal lines. Our brake inspections, done regularly, will catch this too.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid transmits the force from the master cylinder to the brake pads, which brake your car by causing friction against the rotors. If you notice a spongy brake pedal, there may be a brake fluid leak or air in the system.
Fresh brake fluid is clear. Dirty fluid means it contains contamination; the most crucial impurity is water. Brake fluid absorbs the heat braking action generates; if it has a significant amount of water, the brake fluid will boil at a lower temperature.
Since it absorbs water, brake fluid is classified as hygroscopic by chemists. Air bubbles form when brake fluid boils. These bubbles give ineffectual braking action, as you must compress the air before propelling the fluid to force the brake pads to rub against the brake rotors. Every two-year brake fluid service will prevent these occurrences.
Why Brake Fluid Flushes are Important
Your brake fluid has three drawbacks which require flushes:
- Brake fluid heats when you brake, which deteriorates the fluid.
- The braking system is open to the water-containing air. Hot fluid absorbs moisture, causing corrosion.
- Rusty brake parts slough fragments, which contaminate the fluid.
