Brake Lines & Hoses

Brake Lines & Brake Hoses

Though brakes aren’t the most exciting components to modify, they’re one of your vehicle’s most crucial systems! Especially after installing upgrades that increase weight and rotational mass, like heavy aftermarket plate steel bumpers, sliders, and oversized wheels and tires, brake upgrades improve performance and safety, and one of the most commonly overlooked brake components are premium brake lines and hoses.

Brake Line Types

Brake lines come in several forms, including factory and extended lengths, stock-style rubber replacements, and high-performance braided alloy variants.

Materials

From the factory, your vehicle likely came with rubber brake lines, offering exceptional flexibility and strength. On relatively stock, daily-driven applications, rubber is more than sufficient; however, during high-stress performance driving, rubber hoses tend to swell, resulting in a spongy, soft brake pedal and less effective braking performance. For this reason, many heavily modified and performance rigs opt for braided alloy brake lines. 

Alloy brake lines typically feature a reinforced stainless steel construction, offering exceptional strength and rigidity. Unlike rubber brake lines, stainless steel variants won’t flex or swell, improving brake feel and overall durability.

Length: Stock vs. Extended

Brake lines also come in different lengths, including stock-length lines for stock-height applications and extended brake lines for lifted applications, preventing damage from extreme articulation and over-extension.

When to Replace or Upgrade Your Brake Lines

So, how do you know when your ride needs new brake lines? 

Especially if you live in corrosion-prone, northern areas of the country, regularly inspect your brake lines for leaks and your brake reservoir to monitor fluid levels. If you identify a leak or excess corrosion on a brake line, a replacement is due! 

Specific drivability issues may also indicate a worm/faulty brake line, including pulling to one side while driving, excessive/irregular brake pad wear at one or more wheels, sticking calipers, or abnormal driving characteristics (stiff pedal, soft pedal, etc.)

Aside from routine replacements, you may choose to upgrade your vehicle's brake lines for several reasons, including improving brake feel, bolstering durability, or adding length to promote greater articulation!