CAN A BRAKE LINE BE REPAIRED?
                     CAN A BRAKE LINE BE REPAIRED?
Mark Sanford
Writer at Brake System
University providing advice, reviews and information on 
brake system components including 
Replacement brake parts advice from brake system unive
rsity
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The metal brake lines that snake under your car or truck transfer force 
from the pedal beneath your foot to the calipers and discs. Stand on that 
pedal hard enough to get the ABS pulsing and line pressure can spike to 
1,400 psi (97 bar) or more. For comparison, your domestic water supply 
operates at around 50 psi (3.5 bar). So with the pressure that high, do you 
want to repair damaged or corroded brake lines? Let’s discuss.
BURST STRENGTH DECLINES WITH AGE
SAE standards define minimum brake line strength to ensure they won’t 
burst under the most extreme braking. But what happens as a vehicle 
ages?
The answer is corrosion. If you live in the snow belt, salt, and de-icing 
fluids attack your brake lines every winter. Corrosion can take place inside 
the brake lines too. Brake fluids contain inhibitors, but these deteriorate 
over time, which is why you should replace the fluid every few years even 
though many people don’t.
It’s also possible for brake lines to get damaged. An accident is an obvious 
cause, but they’ll sometimes get pinched by a badly positioned jack or axle 
stand.
The bottom line is, brake lines lose strength as they age. Given that you 
don’t want to take a chance on them bursting during an emergency stop, 
do you repair or replace?
BRAKE LINE REPAIR?
During car and truck assembly the underbody brake lines are some of the first 
components to be fitted. That makes them difficult to remove. It can often entail 
dropping a fuel tank, subframe, or transmission. This is why repairing can seem 
attractive; it’s less work.
If you were to repair a brake line, you’d probably be splicing-in a new section. 
Maybe you can weld or solder well enough that it will withstand 1,400 psi, but 
don’t forget that there’s an increased risk of corrosion at the joins.
GO FOR BRAKE LINE REPLACEMENT
Installing new brake lines is clearly the safer approach. For many vehicles, you can 
buy pre-formed brake lines that should be a direct replacement for what you take 
off. Inevitably, it’s not quite that simple because you need to remove all the parts 
in the way, but it can be done. Another approach is to buy a brake line kit. These 
kits include a length of tubing that can be pre-flared with fasteners attached. You 
bend it to fit as needed.
Alternatively, you can assemble and form your own replacement brake lines. Just 
buy quality tubing, the right fittings, and the tools necessary to flare the ends 
precisely.
CHOOSE QUALITY BRAKE LINES
Replacement brake lines are available in steel, nickel-copper, and PVF (polyvinyl 
fluoride).
Steel brake lines are inexpensive, but the downside is, you could be replacing 
them in just a few years. Nickel-copper lines cost more, but the material is 
corrosion-resistant and will last longer than plain steel. And as a bonus, it’s easy to 
shape.
Alternatively, you have the option to go with PVF. PVF is technically a polymer 
coating applied over steel brake lines to prevent corrosion. These brake lines are 
extremely durable, thanks to the tough coating, and also very strong.
RESIST THE PRESSURE!
Never take chances on old or damaged brake lines. They could burst when you 
need them most! Be safe by replacing them.
About Brake System U
Brake System University is a micro site giving advice, reviews, and technical 
information on various brake system components like brake lines, brake 
line kits, and ABS sensors. Brake System University connects you to high 
quality, genuine brake system replacement parts including  replacement 
brake lines, replacement ABS sensors, replacement brake line kits that 
have been tested and reviewed by experts. If you want to replace any 
component of your brake system, then this 
site(https://brakesystems.autopartsu.com/) will helps you in choosing the 
right component. Brake System University connects you to trusted reviews 
and referrals to help you easily make a purchase decision.