How a Brake Flex Hose Works
A brake flex hose is designed to transfer hydraulic force from the car frame
to the brake caliper,
wheel cylinder or junction
block. Brake flex hoses are also used on some hydraulic
clutch systems. The purpose of a flex
hose is to allow movement of the suspension
and steering systems of the car. These components move as the car is being driven
over bumps and as steering action is performed. These brake flex hoses are constructed
with specialized rubber, reinforced with nylon. Some brake hoses include a Teflon
tube used as an inner liner for added strength. All brake flex hoses should be inspected
whenever a car service
is performed. If brake fluid is present at any part of the brake flex hose it should
be replaced immediately. Once the brake hose been replaced follow normal brake system
bleeding procedures. These hoses are connected at either by a double flare fitting
and a copper sealing ring. It is recommenced that the copper sealing washer be replaced
anytime you disconnect or reconnect a brake flex hose. The double flare does not
need to be replaced when service is performed, but the flare does need to be clean
before re-assembly. It is recommended using a semi boxed end wrench (flare nut/line
wrench) when servicing the brake flex hose. This wrench is made to grab the fitting
more efficiently to avoid stripping the hex fitting.
Brake Flex Hose It is recommended using a flare nut/line wrench when servicing the brake flex hose. This wrench is made to grab the fitting more efficiently to avoid stripping the hex fitting.
Line Wrench Used for Brake Lines A brake hose can cause one of the hardest to find problems known to technicians everywhere. When a brake hose malfunctions internally it can cause a small part of the inner hose liner to become dislodged and act like a one way check valve that will either hold full brake pressure from getting a particular wheel or not allowing the brake pressure to bleed off. This condition with cause the brake to not work as hard as the other wheels or cause the wheel to drag and not fully release. Either of these conditions will cause a brake pull condition. If you suspect this problem use a pocket IR thermometer laser temperature reader. Drive the car for a short distance with repeated braking then park the car and use the pocket IR thermometer to test each wheel. You must test each wheel in the exact same place (I like to use one lug nut on each wheel). You are monitoring temperature differences from side to side, not from front to rear. Front to rear temperature differences are normal, side to side is not. (both front or both rear wheels) If a measurable amount of temperature differences exists replace both brake hoses involved. (Note: most brake pull problems of this nature are front brake related). Example: if both front wheels are tested and the right temperature reading is 190 degrees and the left side is 80 degrees, there is a problem with the 80 degree brake side.
Pocket IR Thermometer Laser Temperature Reader If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready to answer your car questions. Related Car Repair Information
Brake Flex Hose It is recommended using a flare nut/line wrench when servicing the brake flex hose. This wrench is made to grab the fitting more efficiently to avoid stripping the hex fitting.
Line Wrench Used for Brake Lines A brake hose can cause one of the hardest to find problems known to technicians everywhere. When a brake hose malfunctions internally it can cause a small part of the inner hose liner to become dislodged and act like a one way check valve that will either hold full brake pressure from getting a particular wheel or not allowing the brake pressure to bleed off. This condition with cause the brake to not work as hard as the other wheels or cause the wheel to drag and not fully release. Either of these conditions will cause a brake pull condition. If you suspect this problem use a pocket IR thermometer laser temperature reader. Drive the car for a short distance with repeated braking then park the car and use the pocket IR thermometer to test each wheel. You must test each wheel in the exact same place (I like to use one lug nut on each wheel). You are monitoring temperature differences from side to side, not from front to rear. Front to rear temperature differences are normal, side to side is not. (both front or both rear wheels) If a measurable amount of temperature differences exists replace both brake hoses involved. (Note: most brake pull problems of this nature are front brake related). Example: if both front wheels are tested and the right temperature reading is 190 degrees and the left side is 80 degrees, there is a problem with the 80 degree brake side.
Pocket IR Thermometer Laser Temperature Reader If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready to answer your car questions. Related Car Repair Information
- Brake Flex Hose Questions
- How to Bleed a Brake System
- How a Brake Caliper Works
- How to Replace a Brake Caliper
- How to Use an Infrared Temperature Meter