Car News Articles 
 Alternative Fuel Vehicles
 Automotive Articles
 Car Buying Tips
 Car Insurance Articles
 Car Maintenance
 Car News
 Car Racing
 Car Repair
 Car Safety
 
 Driving Economically
 Environmental Issues
 Exterior Car Care
 Garage Know How
 
 How Car Stuff Works (92)
 Motorcycle Articles
 Road Trips
 Traveling with Kids
 Younger - Older Drivers
 
 Amsoil Synthetic Oil
 Article Archives




spacer
spacer
How Car Stuff Works

How To Replace Brake Hoses

Brake hoses rarely need to be replaced unless they are compromised by certain factors. Manufacturer defects can cause the walls of the hoses to be soft creating a problem for the vacuum system. Soft or inefficient brake hoses can also cause the brake pedal to drag. Using low quality brake fluid with a low boiling point can cause certain problems as well including dragging or soft brake pedals.

Any time the hose is compromised whether due to manufacturers defect, contaminated brake fluid or dry rot, it is best to completely replace and bleed the brake hoses. We have included instructions on bleeding the brake hoses, however, if you are uncomfortable, you should not attempt to bleed them yourself. Wait until a professional can do it for you.

When air is trapped in the brake hoses, it must be forced out to ensure that the hydraulic components of the brakes work as it should to efficiently stop your vehicle. There are several things to consider when troubleshooting the brakes in relation to the brake hoses. A springy or spongy brake pedal that has a soft feel when depressed may be due to a low quality brake fluid that has a low boiling point.

A low level of brake fluid can cause a spongy, soft or springy brake pedal as well. If the brake fluid is low, that can be very simply remedied by adding some brake fluid to bring it up to the correct level. If the problem is a low quality brake fluid, you will need to drain the brake fluid and replace it with a good brake fluid.

Any time the hydraulic system is disturbed, whether replacing brake hoses, adjusting hoses or faulty hoses, the system must be bled. One indicator that the system needs to be bled is a spongy or soft brake pedal. You will typically need to have a second person available when bleeding the brake hoses. This person only needs to be available to pump the brakes from inside the car several times; they need not have any special mechanical knowledge.

With the engine off, pump the brakes multiple times, 10 or so times to remove any remaining vacuum in the booster. Safely secure the front of the car appropriately on blocks with the back blocked off.

Attach a length of hose to one of the bleed valve and insert the other end into a jar with clean brake fluid. Open the bleed valve ¾ of a turn and have the second person steadily apply pressure on the brake pedal. When the brake pedal reaches the floor, return the bleed valve to its original position, the second person should then release his foot from the brake pedal - allowing it to return to normal position. Continue to repeat this process until no air bubbles come from the length of hose. Repeat on other wheels as necessary.

Be advised that a professional on the following vehicles must bleed the brakes: Chrysler Corporation cars from 1969 to present, 1969 Lincolns and 1970 to 1972 Fords, Lincolns and Mercurys.

To turn off the brake warning light on most modern model vehicles, simply turn off the vehicle, turn the key to the ignition position then pump the brake once. Older model cars may require replacing the warning light switch. To determine if you will need to replace the switch on your vehicle, ask your auto parts dealer.







Related Articles:
Car Suspension and How It Works
The Fuel Pump in Your Car How it Works
What does a Car Radiator Do?
Car Clutches and How they Work
The Car Window Sticker How to Read it
Headlight Assembly
Supercar What is it?
Cyclone Green Revolution Engine How it Works
Replacing Your Car’s Headlight Bulbs
What is a Supercar?
What is a GPS System?
How Does OnStar Work
Beyond Round, Rubber and Black
A Head Gasket What is It
The Alternator

spacer
sdg
make image
model image
zip code


Stay Updated!


How Car Stuff Works
Related Articles
How to Change Disc Brakes
What is a Catalytic Converter
Car Paint Chip Repair Options
How your Cars Water Pump
How does a Car Alternator
Car Suspension and How It
The Fuel Pump in Your
What does a Car Radiator
Car Clutches and How they
The Car Window Sticker How
Headlight Assembly
Supercar What is it?
Cyclone Green Revolution Engine How
Replacing Your Car’s Headlight Bulbs
What is a Supercar?
What is a GPS System?
How Does OnStar Work
Beyond Round, Rubber and Black
A Head Gasket What is
The Alternator
spacer

Feed Button



Car Insurance Info | Newsletter | Car Classifieds | Online Car Rentals
Auto Pictures | Link To Carjunky.com



Complete List of Article RSS News Feeds


Copyright © 1999 - . CarJunky® All Rights Reserved.