Buyer's Guide: Flexible Brake Lines
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RideBuilder
Brake Line Buyer's Guide
Brake lines connect your master cylinder to your calipers (disc brakes) or wheel cylinders (drum brakes), allowing for the proper transfer of hydraulic pressure. Brake lines come in two forms:
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Hard lines: Rigid metal tubing that routes hydraulic fluid along the chassis to each wheel well. Hard lines are fixed in place. Read more about hard lines here {{URL}}.
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Flexible lines: Short hoses designed to flex with steering and suspension movement. Flexible lines connect your hard lines to your calipers/drums and are located in the wheel well. Commonly made out of rubber from the factory.
Brake lines are critical safety components of your vehicle. If a brake line leaks or otherwise fails, your ability to brake can dramatically drop or be lost entirely. They see high pressure and can live in harsh environments, making material choice critical. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about brake lines so you can pick the right materials for your application.
Why Change Your Brake Lines?
Safety
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Cracked, swollen, or brittle hoses: Rubber degrades over times, making them brittle and susceptible to cracking under pressure. A typical lifespan of rubber brake lines is approximately 10-15 years but it is important to inspect the condition of your rubber brake lines to determine their health.
