Just like many other parts of your vehicle, your brake pipes can be subject to rusting. A brake pipe is a rigid pipe within the brake system that transfers the brake fluid that has been pressurised from the master cylinder (foot pedal) to the brake hoses. If your car has developed rust in this area, it is essential that it is fixed. As you might imagine, any part of your braking system suffering damage poses a significant risk of a dangerous situation.
A rusty brake pipe.
What Causes Rusty Brake Pipes?
Most brake pipes are still mostly composed of steel. Steel is a metal that is highly subject to rusting, especially under the right circumstances. Luckily, most vehicles have protective coatings on parts of the brake lines to make them less prone to corrosion. Some higher-end vehicles use stainless steel which is even better at protecting against rust. However, this option is less common and much pricier.
In light of these materials, moisture is naturally the main culprit for rusting brake pipes. Moisture creates the environment that allows rust to form through the reaction of iron and oxygen in the metal. This is one good reason not to park you car in long grass for any length of time. This then causes the metal to corrode, which means it will break down slowly over time. In most cases, the brake lines do not completely fail due to this cause, but the metal’s integrity is lowered, making them less effective.
Abrasion will also speed up the process of the metal breakdown if the brake pipes are rusty. This is when the part is rubbed and scraped by materials and debris from the road. This wears down any coating the parts may have more quickly, allowing the pipe to be exposed and thus being more susceptible to breakage.
How do I know if my brake pipes are rusty?
Unfortunately, if your brake pipes are suffering from rust, there is no easy way to diagnose the problem. In general, if your car is rusting in some visible areas, it is likely there is rust in the brake lines. The appearance of rust is not always a sign that the pipes need to be replaced though; that is why it is important to have your brakes checked at every inspection.
You may notice other issues with your brakes that signal they need a replacement such as squeaking, grinding, or slower halts. If this is the case, the brakes should be checked thoroughly to identify any issues they might have.
Why do I need to replace rusty brake pipes?
Your brake pipes are an essential component to the braking system. As they are the component that carries the brake fluid to the brake hoses, it is best that the pipes are in good condition. This is because the brakes rely on hydraulic pressure to bring the car to a halt. If the brake fluid loses pressure due to corroded pipes, it poses a significant risk because it causes the brakes to fail. It is important that your brakes are checked often to ensure your brake pipes are functioning safely. Rusty brake pipes will fail a Warrant of Fitness in New Zealand and need to be cleaned and properly painted (or if really bad replaced).
Rusty Brake Pipe Repairs in Hamilton
Are you concerned about rusty brake pipes in your vehicle? If so, we can help!
Brake damage can make your vehicle unsafe to drive. Due to the unpredictability of other drivers, it is essential that your car is able to stop when it needs to. Therefore, it is very important that your vehicle’s brakes function properly. At Grimmer Motors, we believe that your safety comes first and take extra care to service your brakes correctly. For peace of mind driving and improved vehicle safety, get your brakes repaired and serviced at Grimmer Motors today.
When you receive brake-related services through Grimmer Motors, you can trust our experienced and skilled mechanics to safely and efficiently repair and service your vehicle. Contact Grimmer Motors to schedule a rusty brake pipe repairs today!