Brake Hose and Brake Pipe

Brake pipes and brake hoses are critical components of your braking system, carrying the brake fluid that helps bring your vehicle to a stop. Making sure your brake pipes and brake hoses are in good working order is essential for safe driving and braking.

Over time, your brake pipes and brake hoses can become corroded and even start leaking brake fluid. If you notice any issues - and if you want to pass your MOT - you’ll need to replace them as soon as you notice any problems.

We cater to everyone with our stock of high-quality parts for all makes and models. Use your registration number to find the exact brake pipe or brake hose you need.

To ensure top braking safety and performance, explore our braking range, including brake discs and brake fluid.

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Enter your registration or select your vehicle

Find compatible parts faster, using the vehicle finder

Popular Brake Pipes & Brake Hoses Manufacturers

We stock premium-quality car brake components from a huge range of trusted manufacturers, including world-leading performance brands like Brembo and EBC Brakes, and specialists in durability like Pagidand Bosch.

What are brake pipes and brake hoses?

Brake pipes and brake hoses are like the backbone and joints of your vehicle's braking system. The brake hose is a flexible, reinforced tube that connects to the brake pipe, and is designed to withstand the high pressure of braking. The brake pipe is a rigid pipe that moves the brake fluid to the brake hoses.

Their main job is to work together to safely transfer the hydraulic pressure, created when you press the brake pedal, to the brake mechanisms on the wheels.

When you press the brake pedal, pressurised brake fluid travels through the brake pipes along the car’s frame, meeting the flexible brake hose at each wheel. The brake hose then connects to the brake caliper, transferring the brake fluid to activate the brake pads, which in turn clamp down on the wheel and slow the car.

When do brake pipes and brake hoses need replacing?

Brake hoses will need replacing more frequently than brake pipes as they are more frequently exposed to heat and moisture. Brake hoses generally last around 4-6 years, whereas brake pipes can last as long as 20 years. Both should be inspected regularly as any issues or damage can lead to brake failure.

If you spot any of these warning signs, get your braking system checked as soon as possible:

Brake warning light illuminated on your dashboard
Visible cracks or bulges on the brake hoses
Brake fluid leaking by the wheels
Spongy brake pedal feel

FAQs

What’s the difference between a brake pipe and a brake hose?

The main difference between a brake pipe and a brake hose is their material and their location in the braking system.

Material: Brake pipes are made of metal, usually steel or a nickel-copper alloy, and brake hoses are made of reinforced rubber or braided stainless steel.
Flexibility: Brake pipes are rigid and run along the car as a solid structure. Brake hoses are flexible as they need to move with the wheels.
Location: Brake pipes run along the underside of the car, usually fixed to the frame and brake hoses are located at each wheel connected to the brake pipe.

How much does it cost to replace a brake pipe?

This can vary depending on your car’s make and model and if you’re paying for the labour of getting them replaced as well as the exact part. To find the exact cost of the right brake pipe for your car, use our handy registration lookup tool to filter the results.

Can you drive with a leaking brake hose?

No, driving with a leaking or damaged brake hose is very dangerous and can lead to brake failure, putting yourself and others at risk. If you’re aware of your brake hose leaking, get it inspected by a mechanic immediately.

How do I make sure I order the right brake hose and brake pipe for my car?

Brake pipes and brake hoses aren’t universal, so picking the right one for your vehicle is essential.

Use our vehicle registration lookup tool at the top of this page to filter for the correct brake pipes and hoses for your car. You can also check your user manual to find the exact parts you’ll need.

How do I flare a brake pipe?

To flare a brake pipe, you need to shape it to create a seal between the pipe and the fitting, to stop fluid leaking. The best option for doing this is using a flaring tool to shape the pipe end and smooth any rough edges.

This process is a little tricky: you’ll need to make sure the flare is fully smooth, otherwise brake fluid can leak, causing your brakes to fail. As brakes are critical to your safety, it’s always worth getting a professional to take care of flaring your brake pipe.

Can I fit brake pipes and brake hoses myself?

Brake pipes and brake hoses are a critical component of your entire braking system, so you should only attempt to replace them if you have the relevant tools and experience.

It’s always best to have your brake pipes and brake hoses fitted professionally, as if they’re fitted incorrectly, they could interfere with your braking and risk your safety.