When should brake hoses be replaced

11-20-2003, 11:28 AM

I have a 1985 308QV and just ordered new brakes hoses from Ferrari UK. I noticed that these hoses have a date stamped on them (forget the date but sometime in 2003). I am assuming that this is the production date of the hoses. My question is how often should I replace the brake hoses in my car?

11-20-2003, 11:43 AM

Hi Ken,

Personally I think 15 yrs is about as long as the hoses last before the possibility of atrophy or weakness becomes an issue. I have never seen a hose under 20 yrs old just blow out, but hoses that old do start causing various strange braking problems.

HTH's

Regards, JRV

11-20-2003, 04:24 PM

Hi Ken,

I echo JRVs response, though I feel 10 years might be about the "safe" limit. The hoses "blowing out" has never been my concern, but rather internal blockage issues. As part of my yearly maintenance, I had a problem with low fluid flow to one of the front brake calipers, coupled with a slight brake pull. As it turned out, once I cut the hose open...it was about 75% blocked with ??. New hoses, all the way around was the solution!

Regards,
David

11-21-2003, 03:10 PM

David,

Where did you buy the replacement brake hoses?

Jeremy

11-21-2003, 04:40 PM

Jeremy,

I got mine from Ted Rutland's, down in Atlanta. I don't remember the exact price, but really cheap...

Regards,
David

11-21-2003, 05:48 PM

Excellent David. I'll have JR order some and we will post a "how to" for others wanting to do the same.

Jeremy

11-25-2003, 12:16 PM

I just checked the brake hoses on my car and they are dated 12/1984. Being that they are 19 years old, I am glad that they will be replaced soon. Does anyone have any tips or pointers as to changing the hoses? They appear to just unscrew, but 19 years of rust and heat may make them difficult to remove.

Ken

11-25-2003, 12:53 PM

Hi Ken,

Typically the hoses are not that hard to disassemble. The ends are Cad Plated to minimize corrosion and rust. They very well may be tight though, so use the correct size wrenches to avoid rounding off the nuts.

>>just checked the brake hoses on my car and they are dated 12/1984. Being that they are 19 years old,<<

seems hard to believe but 308's are 20 & more yrs old now. Most have held up exceedingly well given their age.

Regards, JRV

11-25-2003, 05:02 PM

Thanks for the info JRV. I am very happy with my 308QV so far (knock on wood). Other than a Boxer, I would not trade it for any other Ferrari. The 308's just look so good and are great to drive. Too bad they have such little power.

Ken

11-25-2003, 06:18 PM

Ken, if you are DIY, I believe JRV means use a "flare nut" wrench when he says "use the correct size wrenches..."