How to Install Brake Lines

Regardless of what you drive, it’s sure to have a hydraulic braking system supplying the muscle needed to safely stop your ride. Here’s how it works—when you step on the brake pedal, you’re actually moving a plunger into a master cylinder behind it. The master cylinder then compresses brake fluid and sends it under pressure through lines to activate brake pads at each wheel. But along the way, “hydraulic pressure” searches for the weakest point in the system. These weak points are usually flexible parts, such as brake lines. As pressurized fluid enters flexible brake lines, also known as “brake lines”, the hose expands, reducing fluid pressure and as a result, reduces braking power.

So, the simple solution to bolster your braking system is to install brake lines that won’t flex. Stainless steel brake lines fit the bill perfectly and directly replace your car’s factory brake lines. Here’s how you install them:

1. Secure your ride

   Find a clean & level place to work on your car

   Raise and secure your vehicle by its chassis with a floor jack and jack stands

2. Be ready for a mess

   Brake lines are full of fluid, when you undo them, they will leak, so prepare for it

   Place a drip pan under the hose you’re replacing

   Wear gloves and face protection. Brake fluid is corrosive & poisonous, so you definitely don’t want it in your eyes, mouth or on your skin for long

   Pro Tip: Brake fluid also removes paint. If you touch a fender or the hood with a fluid-covered glove, clean it up immediately with a damp cloth

3. Replace your hoses

   Keep your car’s master cylinder topped off as much as possible during this process. And if possible, don’t let all of the fluid drain out of the master cylinder. It will make it easier to bleed the system later

   Remove any hold-down clips attached to the line you’re working on and unscrew it from its hose fittings. Be ready for some fluid leakage

   Install the new stainless steel line and any included gaskets, washers or clips

   Clean the area of residual brake fluid and move on to the next hose

4. Bleed your brakes

   Once all of your hoses are replaced you need to remove air that’s now trapped inside of the braking system

   Use a brake bleeder tool, gravity bleed the system, or have a buddy help you with the ‘ole pumping pedal method or refer to our guide on bleeding brakes if you’re still not sure

   Top off the brake master cylinder with fresh brake fluid

Once in installed, stainless steel brake lines far outperform your original brake lines. Beyond their resistance to expansion, these high-performance lines are smaller in diameter, reducing the risk of getting them caught against suspension components or rocks when off-roading. Plus, stainless steel brake lines are far more abrasion-resistant, than factory rubber brake lines. Even better, you can get them right here at AmericanTrucks. We have several brands of brake lines to choose from and plenty of brake lines customer reviews to browse through, so you’re sure to find the perfect set for your ride. Best of all, we have the best prices on stainless steel brake lines in town, with a 1-year low price guarantee and free shipping to the continental USA.

Popular Brake Lines

• StopTech Stainless Steel Brake Line Kit
• Goodridge G-Stop Brake Lines
• Russell Brake Lines
• Skyjacker Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Mike Cote

I'm an off-road enthusiast behind the wheel of a perpetual project 4x4 Tacoma. I like to play in the rocks, but won't shy away from fast runs through the desert. My passion came from my dad whose had me in and around cars for as long as I can remember.