At least twice a year, inspect the flexible hydraulic brake hoses connecting the steel brake lines with the front and rear
Brake Calipers for any signs of cracks, chafing, leaks, blisters, or road damage, as these hoses are crucial and susceptible components of the brake system. A thorough inspection using a light and mirror is recommended, and any hose showing damage should be replaced. For the front brake hose, clean the hose and fittings, remove the rivet securing the brake hose clip to the upper A-arm, take off the U-clip from the female fitting at the support bracket, and detach the hose from the caliper, discarding the copper washers. When installing, use new copper washers, lubricate the bolt threads with clean brake fluid, attach the hose to the caliper without twisting, install the U-clip, rivet the brake hose clip back, and ensure there are no kinks in the hose while checking for contact with the suspension during wheel turns. For the rear brake hose, disconnect it from the brake line at the mounting bracket, remove the U-clip, detach the bracket from the strut, and take off the bolt securing the fitting block to the caliper. When installing, attach the hose assembly to the brake line, secure the spring clip, connect the fitting block to the caliper with new copper washers, and reattach the brake line to the strut, ensuring the brake fluid level is maintained and the system is bled. For steel brake lines, various lengths of prefabricated brake line are available, which can be bent by hand or with a tubing bender; if not available, obtain the recommended steel tubing and fittings, measure the old line for length, cut the new tubing with extra length for double-flaring, install fittings, and double-flare the ends before bending to match the old line's shape.