How to Inspect the Car Brake Hose

Many people know they should replace their car brake pads and rotors when they feel the "grind" or hear a "squeaking" noise. But another component, which carries the brake fluid to the brakes, is the brake hose. It must remain malleable and intact to be working properly. Here's how to inspect your car brake hose.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lug wrench
• Car jack
• Flashlight

1. Remove your tires from the car. Unless you have a lift in your garage or access to a lift, you're going to have to do this one at a time. Jack up one side of your car using a car jack. Make sure you are on solid ground, no soft soil. Using your lug wrench, remove the tire and set it aside.

2. Look at your car brake hose and visually inspect it. The brake hose is the only hose in this portion of the car so it is easy to find. Utilizing your flashlight, inspect it. The first sign of trouble is if the outer layer of the hose is cracked. As it's made of rubber, it will dry and crack. This will expose the inner nylon layer, which is the final protective layer. Look for fraying. If either of these is the case, then the car brake hose must be replaced.

3. Check for brake fluid coming out of the hose or its connectors. If you grab hold of the hose and you come away with fluid, it's time to change it.

4. Move the hose to make sure it is still malleable. Because your car makes turns, the hose has some slack to it. It's supposed to move easily along with your car. If it's stiff and doesn't move easily, it's time to replace the hose.

5. Inspect the connectors of the car hose. This is usually the least of your worries, but you still want to make sure the connectors that protect either end of the hose are tightly fastened and don't show signs of rust or decay.

Tips & Warnings

• Request that a mechanic checks your brakes inclusive of the brake hose each time you have your tires rotated (approximately every 6000 miles).