Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
In this clip we're going to talk about the proper way to remove and replace worn front
brake hoses on a 1991 Ford Explorer. In this step we're going to talk about inspection
of your braking components, especially your break hose. Right out of the book, anytime
you service a break component, you are supposed to inspect all of the other components in
that portion of the system. So we're going to check out everything from the beginning
of the hose, all the way to the outward break pad here. The reason why they say that is
because brakes are the main safety issue on your vehicle, and if you're going to go working
on the brakes, to perform a repair, it's a good idea to get a look at everything else.
We're going to start here. This portion is steel and almost never fails, as you can see
it's a little rusty. But that's not too bad. The reason why I'm replacing my brake hose
is this crack in the rubber sheathing. As you can see that there. It's exposing the
nylon reinforcement underneath the rubber sheath. The brake hose is built in three sections.
It has an inner tube which is approximately the thickness of a pencil lead. That is what
carries the fluid from the master cylinder down into the caliper to apply the pressure.
The nylon reinforcement is the only thing that makes this brake hose strong. That is
the second component. The third component is the rubber skin on the outside which is
protection and abrasion prevention. What happens is when the rubber hose deteriorates and cracks,
they always crack at the steel joints here or in here. You can see I actually have this
one reinforced; the nylon will begin to fray. Once it frays enough, that thing tube on the
inside of the hose will make a balloon and explode. You'll lose a vast amount of your
breaking ability, all at once. This hose is bad. We're going to go ahead and replace that
in this video. You're also going to want to inspect your break pads. You're looking at
the friction surface here, not the steel backing, but the friction surface. You're going to
want to inspect the outboard and the inboard pad, which is on the inside, your caliper.
Just check out the assembly, make sure it's not been damaged by any road debris or rusted
out. You're going to want to take a look at the dust boot and the rotor surface. You're
going to want to inspect for any kind of heat cracks or damage to the rotor. Take a look
at this side. You can lean your head over and spin it and get a look at the other side.
That's the proper way to inspect your braking system from the steel line all the way to
the outboard pad.