Your vehicle has tons of moving and stationary parts that complete the entire machine. From the inner workings of the combustion chamber to the awesome paint job, every part of your car serves a purpose. Whether it’s a component strictly for aesthetic purposes or it’s part of what makes your car go, you can always count on your vehicle having tons of different, important parts. That includes the parts that make your car stop, too, like the brakes, which include special brake lines to carry the necessary fluid to the brakes of each wheel.
Are brake lines universal? Yes, brake lines are universal. As long as the brake lines for your vehicle have the proper sized fitting for attachment and the length is correct, the material is universal.
There are a few options when it comes to the different types of brake lines. Dependent on your vehicle and what kind of driving you’re doing will influence the type of brake lines that will be best for your car. Every vehicle comes with stock, rubber brake lines. Many of these lines are partially metal at their ends, which is where each fitting that connects to the car is located. The amount of mileage your car has will also play a factor in the type of brake lines being used.
Brake Line Material
What is actually just as important as brake lines’ ability to be universal is the material they are made of. A lot of car owners will actually have their stock rubber brake lines swapped for a more durable, stainless steel line. The reason for this being that the lines are under a high amount of pressure, causing the rubber to expand over time. This pressure and expansion may cause rubber lines to wear out over time, springing one or more leaks that can hinder the function of the braking system.
The main reason behind getting rid of the rubber lines in favor of a different material is that the rubber can suffer from what is called “dry rot” over time. As your car ages and miles are added on to the odometer, the rubber that your brake lines are made of will end up becoming damaged from the elements of nature and from wear & tear to the vehicle. As the rubber dries out, it can begin to crack and rot, causing leaks. Leaks are a huge issue with the braking system. With leaks come a drop in the pressure to the braking system, which can then be detrimental to the system’s function.
- Stainless steel brake lines: With stainless steel brake lines, a car can better rely on the braking system to continue to provide the necessary stopping ability for your vehicle. Although they can end up with pinprick leaks over time, the propensity to have any issues with the steel lines is minimal. It’s a good idea to check them occasionally as you would rubber lines, just to be safe, but typically the stainless brake lines will hold up to the constant pressure from the brakes.
- Braided brake lines: Another great option that is used are braided brake lines. Braided brake lines are also a great choice for exchanging your normal rubber brake lines. With a higher level of flexibility compared to stainless steel, braided lines can be considered easier to install while also providing the added durability your rubber lines won’t provide. Beginning with a foundation made of Teflon, the line is then wrapped in braided stainless steel and finally coated with plastic for one last step to provide durability.
Weighing the Pros & Cons
The biggest con that will come from upgrading your brake lines is going to be the price tag. Yes, they will come at a cost if you want to upgrade your brake lines. But if you want to increase performance, use your vehicle for driving in ways outside of the conventional, or your older vehicle with a lot of miles starts getting a squishy brake pedal, then upgrading your lines is the way to go, regardless of the cost.
Speaking of squishy brake pedals, this is your surefire way of determining if your rubber brake lines are beginning to expand. With expansions comes a loss in pressure, and with that pressure drop comes the potential for your braking system to not function as well. So, a huge pro to weigh on the subject is for older vehicles with high mileage.
When a car or truck broaches that 100,000 miles mark, certain issues can arise that will have to be tended to. One of them being the integrity of the brake lines, so if that pedal starts to lose pressure, it will be a good idea to at least adequately inspect your brake lines to make sure they don’t need replacing.
One of the downsides that may be associated with the braided lines is the fact that dirt and other particles can sneak into the mesh coating of the brake lines. Not all braided lines will come with the protective outer coating of the mesh part of the line. These lines run a greater risk of that dirt getting into the braid, which over time, will eat away at the Teflon line under the stainless-steel part of the brake line. This can cause leaks.
With a firm pedal comes the reassurance that the proper pressure resides within the brake lines. And your stainless steel or braided options also come with a longer life, so you won’t have to worry about any replacements for a lot of miles.
Making the Switch
Many drivers will ask themselves if making the switch is worth the cost and the time to replace them if the driver chooses to swap the lines themselves. If a driver is into high-performance driving or off-roading, or just happens to have a vehicle with a lot of miles, then the change is worth it. And those lines are definitely universal. Just be sure to check the lengths of the lines, size of the fittings and the proper diameter of the lines themselves.
Although brake lines can be seen as universal, they do come in different diameters or thickness. In this sense, the lines are still universal, but it is best to stick with the current diameter of your brake lines. With a thicker line, comes a wider opening through the center, which creates space for more fluid. If more fluid than normal needs to enter the brake lines to create stopping power, this can create a pressure drop and lead to a mushy brake pedal. So, stick with those proper brake line diameters.
With our non-conventional drivers comes a greater risk for a severed brake line, especially in regard to off-road driving. Obstacles abound can generate a high-risk driving terrain, so stainless steel or braided lines will give the added protection your lines will need so they don’t become damaged. Same with the higher mileage vehicles. With the potential for rotting lines comes a legitimate reason for making the switch to upgraded brake lines. Always make periodic checks to your brake lines, too, to ensure their integrity is still intact. When the lines start to rot, and that brake pedal can be pressed to the floor a little too easily, it can be time to make the switch and upgraded. And being that brake lines are universal, buying brand new rubber lines is always an option too! Even though they’re rubber, brand new rubber brake lines can still hold up to the elements.