2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission When to replace the brake lines?

[ILIANBG]

I will be doing a brake flush and pads replacement on the front end and was wandering when the soft (rubber) brake lines/hoses need to be replaced. Mine are still the OEM parts that came with the truck.

Also, what replacements do you recommend if I need to replace them? What is the expected lifespan on these? Are the stainless braided ones from EGR worth considering or go back to OEM? I want to get a bit more stopping power if I can. My rotors seem like new thanks to the pads I used(I guess softer compound).

Ilian

 

[gcorron]

My brakes looked perfect right up to the minute the hose collapsed and ate the rotor!!!!



I got about 13 years out of mine (97) but it went with no warning. It's a common problem, so for my 2 cents, it's one of the items very well worth replacing PRIOR to the major problems!



I also would check, VERY closely, the brake line running from just behind the drivers side tire well to the rear brakes. One of the lines, at least in mine, runs inside the frame between it and the tank, it rotted about 7 years ago and left me with a major pucker factor instantly!



I came around an uphill corner, and saw a line of tandem dump trucks stopped, slapped on the brakes and the peddle went right to the floor!

Slight delay, but I did grab the emergency brake handle and used the emergency brakes to prevent catastrophe, but chewed a hole in the seat!



They may have addressed the problem between mine and yours, but certainly worth checking.



NAPA has PVC coated lines now that I would use. Even the one I replaced it with is looking pretty puny.



Just my 2 cents!