Our latest featured service is Brake Hose Replacement on a 2001 Volvo S40, brought to us by a client from Richmond, BC.
Brake hoses are a critical part of your brake’s hydraulic system. They are installed wherever a flexible connection is required. Usually there are four hoses, sometimes only three, and they are usually found near the wheels. Front hoses wear most frequently as they are subjected to up and down as well as side to side movement.
Brakes are operated by high pressure hydraulics. Hydraulics refers to fluids, and the braking system uses brake fluid. When you push your brake pedal the master cylinder delivers high pressure fluid to your brake calipers and/or wheel cylinders which press your brake pads or shoes onto the rotor or drum. Pressures can go over 4000 PSI. That’s a lot of pressure, so having tough components in good condition is critical to keep the brake fluid contained.
Worn brake hoses are found in two ways: one is when they burst, and this will be noted by a sudden loss of braking; the other is from a brake inspection where slight cracks are visible on the hose. Obviously the latter method is preferred as the hoses can be replaced before they blow and cause a very serious safety concern.
Our featured Volvo came to us on a tow truck with a blown left front brake hose. The owner was backing up the vehicle, applied the brakes and found the pedal suddenly sunk to the floor. Fortunately she was able stop the car before there was no collision. Had this happened out on the road and in a panic stop situation serious injuries or deaths could have occurred.
Inspecting this vehicle’s brakes was our first step to repairing this Volvo S40 properly. Along with the blown left front brake hose we found a severely cracked right front hose. The rears also had small cracks. On the positive side, the rest of the brake system was in good order. We replaced all four brake hoses and flushed the brake fluid and all was perfect again.
Routine brake inspections, performed annually will generally find any fault with your brake system including worn hoses. When it comes to your vehicle’s safety systems which includes brakes along with your steering and suspension prevention is key to saving money and prevent potentially tragic accidents from happening.
For more about the Volvo S40 click here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_S40
For more about hydraulic brakes click here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_brake
