Brake Line Reminder !!

[RSTarga]

I had a scary experience yesterday. Luckily it was while driving down the alley to enter my garage. There was a big bump I drove over and when I applied the brakes the pedal went to the floor! Since I was going slowly the emergency brake stopped me quickly.
The culprit was a right front brake line probably 20 years old, braided stainless that ruptured from the wheel movement when I bounced over the bump.
I don't know what the recommended lifespan of these is but probably they should be changed every 5 to 10 years. I've been thinking about changing them for a while , but just kept putting it off.

Think about it, when was the last time you changed yours?

[Chuck Miller]

Very good point David,

Had mine forever (well over 15 years) and recently replaced them while doing a suspension upgrade.....

[hoffman912]

good call. I have owned my car since 98 and have never touched the brake lines. it is on my list to do when i do the suspension upgrade next month.

just wondering, how often should the master be replaced too?

[C.Plavan]

I just replaced mine on my racecar after 10 years. I probably will do it sooner next time.

[Tom F.]

Personally, I think that this is a good illustration of why the factory rubber hoses are better. They fail, too, but not by severing. Instead, they swell internally. You won't lose your brakes, but the brakes on the affected wheel will drag. At least, that's been my experience.