Do I really need 4 new brake lines if no brake light is on and no visible brake problems while driving?
I took my car to the dealership for my usual free state inspection and was alarmed when I was called and told that I need 4 new brake lines but I could get away with buying 3 and that I needed two new tires. They are failing my car and I have not been having any problems with my brakes, no brake light on, and my tires still have good tread on them. Is this fair? No car that I have ever driven, past or present, has ever failed a state inspection. I get my car repaired whenever needed and I don't let problems linger that is why this has thrown me for a loop.
My car has 115000 miles.
My
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. Depending on the area you live in, it is common for brake lines to corrode over time and need replacement. It is not too common, but in areas that have a lot of road salt this will occur. If it is the rubber lines then they just need to be replaced. If you want to have repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to replace the brake lines for you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Yes, many car experts recommend that you bleed all four brakes once you open one of the brake lines to replace a caliper or do other work. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, particularly if the brake line you are having work done to is independent of the other lines.
Brake lines and hoses do not have a recommended replacement schedule. This means that they generally won`t need to be replaced unless something goes wrong. However, the brake hoses and lines should be periodically examined for any signs of wear or damage.
The average car has a total of four brake hoses. It sounds like your mechanic should have explained things a little better from the get-go since you were expecting a much lower bill. Most of the time, brake lines are replaced in pairs, so the estimate should have been around $300.
Ford Motor Company is recalling select 2021-2022 Ford Escape models due to a safety issue with the braking system. The defect: in affected vehicles, the rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance.
Your brakes feel spongy and not firm.
This is one of the most common reasons to bleed your brakes. This is a clear sign that you`re losing pressure in your braking system, as you are having to push your brakes harder to get the same amount of pressure than before the air got into your system.
Do You Need to Bleed Brakes After Changing Pads? Yes, you will need to bleed your car`s brakes after changing its brake pads. This helps to remove any dirt in the braking system. It`s common for people to open both the bleeder valve and squeeze calipers while changing the brake pads.
How long will brake lines generally last? Most new cars and trucks come with stainless steel brake lines that are expected to last seven to fifteen years before requiring replacement. It is one of the most durable parts of your vehicle and is considered a lifetime part.
Benefits of Braided Brake Lines
The main benefit of braided brake lines is that they help improve performance by reducing the issue of swelling, most commonly associated with the standard rubber brake lines. Over time and extensive use, rubber lines can swell under the pressure caused by applying the brakes.
Improved braking performance: Replacing all four brake pads at once can provide more balanced braking, as all four pads will have the same amount of friction material.
Generally, your brake pads should all wear at the same time, which makes for an easy replacement. Typically, you should have both your front brake pads replaced at the same time, and your rear pads replaced at the same time, to ensure proper braking power.
Ford Escape brake pads usually last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles depending on your driving habits.
Research of the Ford Escape revealed the 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2020 model years had the most reported problems and recalls issued. As such, these model years should be avoided when considering an Escape.
Reverse bleeding is the absolute best single brake bleeding method to use. It is the most effective at removing trapped air. It works well with ABS equipped vehicles as well as any vehicle with a bleed screw. It is very quick, the fastest of any bleeding method.
If you`re replacing worn brake pads, which can cause air to enter the master cylinder. Braking with worn pads requires more brake fluid, which drains the reservoir and creates space for air. If you change your rotors or pads. Any brake job should include a brake bleed for safety`s sake.
Here`s how you should bleed the brake: Ask your assistant to pump the brake pedal several times and then hold the pedal halfway to the floor. If pushed too far, it can drive the secondary piston of the master cylinder across sediments or deposits that can damage piston seals and cause leaks.
Follow the guidelines in your vehicle owner`s manual for how often to change brake fluid. If none are given, it`s good practice to bleed brakes every other year or whenever you change the brake pads.
In general, whenever you are bleeding an ABS-equipped vehicle you can do so exactly as you would any other vehicle – stroke the pedal to pressurize the system, open a bleeder, close the same bleeder, and repeat.
The most obvious advantage of copper-nickel brake lines is that they are much more durable than traditional steel or stainless steel brake lines. Copper nickel is much less likely to oxidize or corrode, making it ideal for use in dirty or harsh environments.
A copper brake line is the best quality brake lines you can buy for a longer-lasting life on any vehicle, farm vehicle and industrial vehicles alike. Copper tubing is easy to replace because it is a pliable and bendable product that can make bends and turns without breaking.
Brake lines aren`t routed the same way in all vehicles. However, replacing your brake line is usually a quick process. With a professional mechanic, it takes about one to two hours. Your mechanic will have to remove the old brake line and put in a new one, or splice the bad section and replace it.
Most car brakes will last between 25,000 and 60,000 miles–between three and six years for most daily drivers–but some sets may last even longer for those who exercise good habits.
Stainless steel brake lines do not fade from heat buildup or “wear and tear.” You have these issues with rubber but this chosen metal does not develop the same problems. The material is durable, corrosion resistant and long lasting. Additionally, by using steel you save money in the long run.
Rubber makes for great brake lines because it is durable, resilient, and will last for a long time without having to be replaced.
The easiest way to check for a brake line leak is by holding a flashlight under your car. If you notice drips on the inside of your wheels, rust spots along the lines, or any wet or dry fluid streaks, you could be dealing with a brake line leak.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Do I really need 4 new brake lines if no brake light is on and no visible brake problems while driving?
ANSWER : Hello. Depending on the area you live in, it is common for brake lines to corrode over time and need replacement. It is not too common, but in areas that have a lot of road salt this will occur. If it is the rubber lines then they just need to be replaced. If you want to have repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to replace the brake lines for you.
EPC light on 2004 Jetta. Code said brake switch faulty, but brakes lights worked. Replaced brake switch, now no brake lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. The first thing that pops in my mind beyond of what you have listed is perhaps the electrical harness attached to the brake switch. Perhaps the harness itself is damaged or you have an exposed wire, loose ground wire somewhere. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a brake lights not working inspection to help you diagnose this issue.
When I put my foot on the brake my back left brake light goes off, when I take it off the brake the brake light comes on
ANSWER : I would suggest trying to disconnect and reconnect the wiring to the rear lights. I have seen these older Toyota vehicles rear lighting short out on the lights themselves due to the way the light circuit was made on the lamp housing. Look at the housing circuit on the light to see if one is touching another, and that could tell you why it is malfunctioning. There could also be a problem with the brake light switch. If you are not comfortable dealing with wires, I recommend getting in touch with a certified mechanic who can look at your brake light issue for you to see what’s going on.
abs light on brake line broke have been replace I bleed brake line but brake pad still go to the floor now wheels lock up
ANSWER : Hello. If the brake pedal is going to the floor then that means that it is not building pressure. If the brake system has been fully bled and there is no air in it then most of the time it is a bad master cylinder or it can be caused by a bad ABS module. If the brake fluid was low and if air got into the system then the only way to properly bleed it is with a scan tool that would allow you to open and close the valves in the ABS unit. Air gets trapped in these easily if the brake fluid gets low. This can also explain why the brakes are locking up. I would usually use my scan tool to bleed the system out first before going any further. I would also scan the brake control module to see what it is reading as a fault. If there is no air in the system and if there is no prominent code then I would replace the master cylinder first. If you want to check out why your brakes are locking up, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose and repair this.
Brake lights are not working. replaced brake light swtch still no brake lights. the third brake light the connection was melted at
ANSWER : The first thing to do is to repair third brake light and replace the brake light fuse and then see if the third brake lights work and the lower lights start working? If only the 3rd brake light starts working then you may need a further checks on the turn signal flasher or switch could be bad.
Brake sensor is to sensitive causing brakes to flicker while driving. 2005 Mercury Montego
ANSWER : Hi there – your brake light switch needs a minor adjustment. It is adjusted too "tight" or close to the brake pedal lever, or possibly has failed. Adjusting/replacing it will eliminate this flickering problem. I recommend a brake light isn’t working inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Gear stuck on park. Brake lights dont turn on. Brake light switch has been changed the problem still remains.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is likely having a connection issue somewhere around the switch. Since you have a voltmeter or test light, you will want to test for power leading up to the fuses, and then after the fuses. If you have power when pressing the light after the fuse (this means the power is making it through the fuse), continue to trace that voltage until you find where it stops. This voltage drop is most likely going to be at an electrical connection or terminal, a broken or frayed wire, a faulty switch, or a bad ground connection. Currently the vehicle is in a safety mode, and tracking down the cause of the brake light switch issue needs to be the main focus. For more help resolving the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
I replaced the brake light switch. Gear lever unlocked because it had locked. Now the brakes feel hard.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. You need to check the brake switch install adjustment. You may have the switch adjusted too tight and it is holding the the brake pedal partly down. This will cause the brake master cylinder to not release the brakes when you let off the pedal. Readjust the switch away from the pedal until you feel some free play again in the pedal. This should fix the problem. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
