BRAKE LINES: WHEN TO REPLACE AND WHAT TYPE TO USE
                     BRAKE LINES: WHEN TO REPLACE AND WHAT 
TYPE TO USE
Mark Sanford
Writer at Brake System
University providing advice, reviews and information on 
brake system components including 
brake line repair tips at brake system university /
brake line repair kit reviews at break system university
Your brake lines are literally the backbone of your car’s braking system. 
They provide a rigid environment able to withstand the changing pressure 
in the hydraulic system and deliver the correct power to apply to your 
brakes when needed. Learn to identify when it is time to replace your 
brake lines and which type of brake line or brake line kit is right for you.
SIGNS OF WEAR AND TEAR IN YOUR BRAKE LINES
While it is often easier to detect a problem with your brake pads or rotors, 
there are still noticeable symptoms of a brake system in need of new lines. 
From behind the wheel, you might notice that the brake pedal is soft or 
spongy as the leaking fluid creates uneven pressure in the brake system. 
On hard stops, you may not notice as much braking power when you really 
slam the brakes. Of course, the real indication of lines that require 
replacement is through visual inspection.
Brakes lines are designed to resist corrosion inside and out and resist 
warping and bubbling. So, if you put your car or truck up on the lift and see 
flaking, sharp kinks in the lines, or notice droplets of fluid, it’s time to do 
the job. You may have to remove the wheels to get a good look at flexible 
brake lines and their connections on your specific make and model.
COMMON MATERIALS FOR BRAKE LINES AND KITS
There are three common types of brake lines found on the market. 
Galvanized steel remains the most popular type of brake line found on 
passenger vehicles. Some manufacturers are making the switch to PVF 
(polyvinyl fluoride) coated lines that offer an extra layer of resistance to 
sand, salt, and road pollution. This black outer layer can pose a challenge 
to the DIY mechanic as it is more prone to flaking at cuts around your 
fittings, which can result in leaks. Finally, nickel-copper lines sit at the top 
of the pricing grid, however, loyal users of NiCopp find it easier to 
manipulate, and it never corrodes due to salty road conditions. Many users 
state that the added cost of NiCopp is well worth the investment, 
especially if you intend on keeping your vehicle for many more years.
WHICH TYPE IS BEST FOR YOUR MACHINE?
If you own a daily driver with 100,000 miles on the odometer and want to 
give it another 100k, steel remains the most cost-effective brake lines 
available. Should you live in an area where salt is used to melt snow and 
ice on the roads, you may wish to step up to the PVF lines, but be prepared 
for more of a challenge during installation. If durability and reliability are 
most important to you, NiCopp can be worth your money.
What about your street rod that you take to the track? Braided steel lines 
are the go-to option for weekend racers, as it is better able to resist 
extreme temperatures and is more difficult to damage when the run goes 
wrong. Ceramic and Teflon applications are also available.
MAKING THE CONNECTION WITHOUT DAMAGING THE LINE
If you are buying a roll of brake line instead of opting for an assembled 
brake line kit, it cannot be overstated that the flared fitting is the challenge 
of the day for DIY mechanics. Make sure to buy new or borrow a quality 
brake flaring kit and brake cutting tool. A smooth and properly sized flare 
guarantees a better seal to the distributor and master cylinder. Using a 
cheap tool can leave burrs, kinks in the line, or an improperly sized 
connection, which may send your car back to the shop.
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.