Another brake thread

[flightmedic]

Just for general consideration. After reading the archives about brakes trying to get a perspective, I found alot of repeat problems. Especially from the front brakes.



In addition this week I have decided to redo my entire brake system as I have had continued problems. More specifically, that after replacement of the right front caliper due to it not releasing (intermittent), the new one is doing the same thing. Well, I was on the right track as I was going to replace all the front (metal) brake lines and the master cylinder, but after talking with a wizened back yard mechanic, he asked if I had the rubber hoses that led to the calipers. In reply to my "yes" he told me my problem was more than likely there, in that he has seen alot of vehicles do the same thing after a certain age.



He explained that the heat cycles degrade the rubber and the reinforcement of said rubber inside and eventually the line starts to collapse on itself. So food for thought for those out there with nagging brake issues. I only wish that I had the money right now for the EGR brake line upgrade. But if the factory ones lasted 11 years they can't be all that bad.

 

[Philip]

I use the stock replacement rubber hoses. I normaly replace them every couple of years. On a 4X4 model these hoses are bent almost in a 180 degree fashion on a lock to lock turn. This puts a lot of stress on them.



I have seen many rubber hoses go bad and cause the draging caliper problem. Replacing hoses is the last thing most people think of when they have draging brakes. Myself it is the first thing I replace. Any time I have a brake system open for repair. It gets new rubber hoses.