Brake Lines for GMC
Brake lines for GMC vehicles are essential to both your front and rear brakes, systems performance, and safety. You can find brake lines as kits or singular parts, with a variety of options and fittings. There are many OEM and aftermarket lines to choose from, made from either rubber or stainless steel.
What are brake lines and how do they work?Brake lines are important parts of your GMCs braking systems. The brake system consists of pads, rotors, lines, and hydraulic pressure. Each time you push on your brake pedal, the master brake cylinder is activated, which uses hydraulics to use your front and rear brakes and stop. This hydraulic pressure must be sent to the braking system and wheels with the assistance of brake fluid. This specialized fluid is sent through your brake lines. Without the proper lines, pads, rotors, and fittings, you could experience serious performance and safety issues.
What types of lines are there for your GMC?Most up-to-date vehicles have brake lines to assist with the hydraulic pressure in the front and rear brakes. Brake lines can be categorized into two main categories, which are divided mostly by the material by which they are made. Each type of brake line can also vary in size, shape, diameter, and design. Each brake line kit or type can be characterized as the following:
- Pipes: Pipe brake lines are inflexible and stiff. They are also strong and typically made of stainless steel, although they can have additional braided zinc, plastic, or Kevlar coatings. This type is installed somewhere within the body where movement of the lines is not to be expected. It can also be installed underneath the body, in the engine compartment, or elsewhere. With this type of brake line, there is less expansion of the material. Stainless steel pipes are a common choice for drivers of high-performance trucks or SUVs.
- Hoses: Hose brake lines are typically made of rubber, so they are flexible and mobile. They can also be made of braided interior fibers. The installation location of this type is not as specific and has a long, reliable service life. This type of brake line is most suitable for non-performance drivers, as it is the most used stock option.
There are many parts of your GMC car or truck that should be replaced and changed on a regular schedule, per mileage or age. The brake lines, however, do not have a required replacement schedule. Changing the parts within your braking systems is usually dependent on both the frequency of vehicle use and what you use your vehicle for. Every time you use the front and rear braking system, it creates wear on every part of the braking system.
Your brake lines and all aspects of your brake lines system should be inspected on a regular basis. Symptoms of a faulty brake line can include visible corrosion or damage, the new appearance of brake warning lights, poor brake performance, or leaking brake fluid.