Handy Tips & Information
The most effective way to look for faulty brake hoses is to check them when they are under extreme pressure.
WHY?
Imagine brake hoses as arteries in the human body.
A person could live a normal life with hard and restricted arteries, but it's when they exert their heart under stress that symptoms arise. The same applies to brake hoses. Brake hoses could appear "OK," but when they are subjected to extreme pressure in an emergency, they need to be in good condition to handle the sudden stress.
Most booster-assisted braking systems can reach pressures of approximately 1500 p.s.i.
Visual Inspection of Hose and Installation
Things to look for.
1. Cracks on the outer skin of the hose. (May need to bend hose for this test)
2. Blisters or bubbles in the hose.
3. Chafe marks from the hose rubbing against something
4. Wet marks where the hose is starting to leak
5. Obvious bulging or expansion of the hose
6. Loose hose mounts or twisted hose
Troubleshooting Problems Associated with Brake Hoses
1. LOW OR SPONGY PEDAL
Usually associated with a hose that is old, soft and weak, which allows the hose to expand under pressure.
2. PULLING TO ONE SIDE.
Usually caused by one of the front hoses being blocked or restricted.
3. BRAKE DRAG.
Can be caused by a restricted hose(s).
4. INTERMITTENT BRAKE PROBLEM.
Can be caused by a hose with an internal fracture creating a one-way check valve effect
Determlning the Length of a Hose
Except for a hose with a banjo fitting, all hose lengths are determined by measuring the extreme points. When measuring the length of a hose with a
banjo fitting, the measurement is taken from the center of the banjo bolt hole. |
