How to Choose the Correct Braided Brake Line Size

When cars come from the factory, they are properly equipped to handle most road conditions. If, however, you wish to drive your car in a manner that is more sporting and exceeds the standards for which it was originally designed, you may want to upgrade the systems to suit the driving style. One such system is the brakes, specifically the brake lines. Most cars come from the factory with high-pressure flexible rubber lines that connect the rigid steel lines to the brake calipers. A popular upgrade to these lines are flexible steel braided lines. These do not expand under pressure, and transferring that pressure to the caliper as brake pressure. This conversion is very easy, but you need to know what size brake line you need.

Instructions

1

Locate and remove the brake lines you wish to replace. Alternatively, you can leave them in place, though this will make measuring more difficult.

2

Measure from where the brake line enters the caliper to where it connects to the solid steel line. If the line is already removed, pull the line as straight as possible and measure from one end to the other.

3

Repeat measurements on all four brakes. Record the measurements. Brake lines are sold in pre-made sizes. If the supplier does not have the exact size, it is best to round up to the next longest size, as the added line can be routed in such a way that doesn't interfere with the vehicle's operation. The added line can also help smooth over any measurement errors.