Symptoms of a Leaking Break Hose
A brake hose is the flexible portion of your vehicle's brake line responsible for connecting the hard metal line to the brake caliper or wheel cylinder. Due to their flexibility, brake hoses can adjust and provide slack when turning and as your suspension articulates when driving over uneven terrain. This ensures your vehicle's brake system maintains pressure and is operating properly on different types of terrain and various driving conditions by maintaining the connection to the wheel end. Brake hoses are designed to withstand a constant state of tension caused by braking and turning. The high pressures of your brake system can eventually cause wear and damage to the rubber hoses. This damage can be caused by friction or heat generated by braking, a cracked hose casing that may cause leaks or dry out the brake hose internally, or a weak brake hose that may simply rupture due to excessive pressure within your vehicle's brake system. A common sign of a failing brake system is a lack of pressure when attempting to use your brakes, or your brake pedal falling to the floor and failing to return to position when you apply pressure. To determine the cause of your brake failure, check the master cylinder for proper levels of brake fluid and inspect all brake lines and brake hoses for any cracks or leaks. If your vehicle's brakes aren't working properly, or if you notice sponginess or hardness in your brake pedal, it is likely unsafe to continue driving until the brake system can be assessed and repaired. If your braking system requires service or repair, shop at O'Reilly Auto Parts to find replacement brake hoses, master cylinders, brake calipers, and brake lines for a variety of vehicles. If you're ready to replace your brake hoses but aren't sure where to start, check out our How-To Hub for information on how to replace brake lines and hoses, how to bleed your brakes, and more.
