How to repair a brake line

Worse functionality of the brakes does not have to be caused only by worn brake pads or discs. It can also be connected to the fact that there is not enough of the necessary fluid in the brake system. Of course, its level must be checked regularly. If it happens to be lost regularly, the problem is probably in the brake system itself. And that means the need to diagnose the problem that will be solved. With older cars, it can happen that the brake pipe is corroded. To ensure safety, the change brake pipe is necessary.

We will find the location of the leak

This is probably one of the biggest problems we face during the exchange. It is necessary to inspect the car so that we can go through the individual brake fluid distributions step by step, from the tank located under the hood to the axles themselves. Once it has been established which part or parts are defective, the actual replacement can be done. It may or may not be complicated. It depends specifically on which parts, i.e. which specific pipes, are damaged and where exactly they are located within our passenger car.

Brake fluid drain

If this is an extensive problem, a brake fluid drain is definitely a must. This can be drained into a prepared clean container for the reason that we will then be able to return it to specific distributions. It is not always the ideal way, as it is recommended to use brand new brake fluid. Once it is finally drained, it may happen that another part of the whole exchange may be continued, which consists in dismantling the damaged pipes through which the brake fluid gradually flows.

Disassembly can be more difficult

Be sure to keep in mind that disassembly itself can be a slightly difficult process. This is primarily due to the fact that the screws can be significantly rusted and stiff. In this case, you need to prepare not only the right and high-quality tools, but also the necessary release agent. The right choice today is the version that comes in a spray. You just need to spray it on the desired place, then wait, and then just try to loosen the screws. If everything goes smoothly, there shouldn’t be any major problem with enabling them in this way.

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As soon as the screws as such are dismantled, it may already happen that the damaged pipeline is also subsequently dismantled, necessitating its replacement itself. Here, however, let us remind you that in the case of minor problems, for example, only a repair that closes a possible hole where the brake fluid is leaking can be fully sufficient. It always depends on the specific assessment.

Replacing the pipes themselves

Here we usually have two options to proceed. The first one is a bit more complicated, as it consists in having new pipes made. And that, of course, is based on those that were dismantled. Here, all dimensions must match exactly logically. Of course, this can be slightly more time-consuming, due to which some people go the other way. This is then connected with the possibility of buying the given spare parts secondhand. For example, scrapyards can be offered, as well as the fact that it is possible to simply ask for the given parts second-hand. Even if it is a solution that looks simple at first glance, it must be taken into account that the changed pipes also have a certain lifespan. So if we buy an older variant, it may happen that we will have to replace another one very soon. So it depends on everyone’s assessment which way to go.

Installation of new pipes

Whichever way you decide to go, don’t forget that once you have the pipes, the next important step is to install them in the right place. If it is really accurate, i.e. matching size, it shouldn’t be any other problem. The important thing is that the joints are really strong and hold everything in place exactly as it should. If so, the most important part of the exchange is definitely done.

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Top up the brake fluid

At this point, you are already coming to the end of your exchange in a simple way. What is necessary now is, of course, topping up the brake fluid. Once the container is full, a second person should be asked for help. And that’s because the entire brake system needs to be bled. This is the classic and simplest method used today. It is basically very simple as it is based on one person stepping on the brake pedal while the other person loosens the bleed screws. During this process, the brake fluid in the container should decrease, so of course, it is necessary that it is also topped up at the given specific place. The entire procedure is repeated until the moment when there is uncertainty that there is only the correct fluid in the brake system and not air.

Testdrive

The most important moment comes, and that is the test drive. Ideally, first on the road with little traffic, where it is established whether the brakes really work as they should. If everything is in perfect order on this side, it is possible to say that so far, the exchange itself looks good and that everything has been successful. However, this can only be detected a few days later, as it is necessary to monitor whether the brake fluid is running low regularly. If this continues, another leak will be overlooked. If, on the other hand, this does not happen, there is certainty associated with the fact that the repair of the brake pipe was indeed carried out correctly, i.e. exactly as it should have been done. The brakes should not only be functional without problems but everything should also be connected with the fact that the brake fluid will definitely not decrease in any way. This has a positive impact not only on operating costs but also on the certainty of future safe driving as such.