Brake lines are essential components of your vehicle's safety operations. They help your vehicle turn pedal pressure into stopping power. A set of braided, stainless steel brake lines offers the reassurance of reliability and durability.
Consequently, brake lines must be continuously maintained to ensure reliability and keep you (and your passengers) safe.
Are your brake lines bad?
Generally, stainless steel brake lines will last for about 7-15 years before needing a replacement. They are considered among the most durable parts of a vehicle. Sometimes you won't ever need to replace your Jeep's brake lines unless there's something wrong. However, you should have your brake lines periodically examined for signs of wear and damage. Here's how to know when your brake lines need a replacement.
- Leaking brake fluid — a puddle of fluid under your Jeep can be a sign of leaking brake fluid. So check your brake fluid for damage.
- You can push the brake to the ground — this may increase the vehicle's stopping distance. Consequently, your vehicle will take longer to stop after applying the brakes. If you experience a similar problem, have your braking system inspected and replaced right away.
- Visible distress — includes moisture, corrosion or abrasion damage on your brake lines.
- The brake light comes on - when brake fluids drop to a certain level, your Jeep's brake warning lights will turn on
Find the perfect replacement brake lines for your Jeep
If your brake lines are showing signs of wear and damage, you must replace them immediately. Driving with faulty brake lines could risk your life, passengers, and other road users' lives. But when shopping for replacement brake lines, you want a set that will serve you as the original.
Wondering where to get genuine brake lines and hose replacement for your Jeep? You should only buy your replacement parts from reputable and reliable brands like Rock Krawler, Teraflex and Rough Country. These brands have the best and most durable brake line replacements for your Jeep.
Teraflex Brake Line Kit for Jeep JK
Brake Line Kit for Jeep JT from Grimm Offroad
Rough Country Brake Lines for a 4 to 6 inch Lift
Rock Krawler Brake Lines with Extended Travel
What brake line size do you need?
Typically, brake lines come in two sizes; 3/16 inch, also known as CNF-3 and ¼ inch. Today, almost every car uses 3/16 inch brake lines. So, probably it might be a perfect fit for your Jeep. The ¼-inch brake lines were typically used in the 1950s. Therefore, if your Jeep was manufactured in this era, you'll need a ¼-inch brake line replacement. Sometimes, your vehicle might have custom brake lines installed. In this case, you'll need a custom replacement of your brake lines.
Best materials for brake lines
The type of material for your brake lines determines its durability and reliability. Galvanized steel is the most common brake fluid material used in most vehicles. However, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) coated brake lines offer an extra layer of resistance to salt, sand and road pollution. However, it's not DIY-friendly because it's prone to flaking at cuts around the fittings. Nickel copper brake lines are the most expensive, and for a good reason. First, it doesn't corrode due to salty road conditions, making it more durable.
Also, the brake lines are easy to replace because it's a pliable and bendable material. Ideally, copper brake lines will last the entire lifetime of your vehicle.
Time to replace your brake lines
It's not safe to drive your Jeep on faulty brake lines as it will put your life and other motorists' lives at risk. Although they are made to last the vehicle's life, brake lines must be periodically inspected for signs of wear and damage. If you notice leaking braking fluid or other visible distress like cracks, you might want to replace your brake lines.
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