Is it necessary to replace the brake steel hose?
3 Answers
When you notice a decrease in braking power and an increase in braking distance, it's time to consider replacing the brake steel hose. The brake steel hose consists of a rubber tube wrapped with high-strength steel wires and an outer wear-resistant layer, providing strong resistance to expansion. Here are more details: 1. Replacement considerations: The original rubber hose may slightly expand when braking, weakening the initial braking response. Replacing it with a steel hose can improve this situation. However, after installation, turn the steering to both extreme points to ensure it doesn't scrape or interfere with other components, affecting their normal operation. 2. Principle: Braking primarily relies on the pressure generated by brake fluid compression. Therefore, the brake fluid hose is crucial—it must be elastic and heat-resistant. Considering cost, most manufacturers use rubber hoses, but steel hoses actually perform better.
Based on my 15 years of experience driving older cars, brake hoses must be replaced when necessary. The reason is simple: rubber or metal materials can become brittle and age over time, especially when exposed to high temperatures and humidity, making them more prone to cracking. My old car once experienced oil leakage, causing the brakes to soften and nearly resulting in a rear-end collision. Therefore, regular inspections are crucial—check the connections every two years or after 50,000 kilometers for any signs of swelling or oil seepage. If not replaced, brake fluid leakage can lead to complete system failure, increasing stopping distances at high speeds and significantly raising safety risks. It's advisable to have a professional shop handle the replacement—don't skimp on a few hundred bucks when it comes to priceless life safety.
As a budget-conscious car owner, I often weigh the necessity of replacing brake hoses. The cost is low, with parts ranging from tens to a hundred yuan, and you can either do it yourself or go to a small shop. If the car has been driven for a long time, say over 6 years, it's worth replacing; new steel hoses are more durable, improve brake response, and prevent unexpected repair costs. Once, I didn't replace them in time, and after parking, there was an oil leak—the towing fee plus repairs far exceeded the budget. Daily inspection is simple: gently squeeze the hose to check for consistent firmness. In the end, preventive replacement is much more cost-effective than post-failure repairs.
