Brake line

nounStandard termAutomotive

A rigid tube or flexible hose that carries pressurized hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the wheels.

The plumbing network of the braking system, consisting of rigid steel or copper-nickel tubes along the chassis and flexible rubber or braided stainless steel hoses near the wheels. These lines transmit the high-pressure hydraulic fluid generated by the master cylinder to the calipers or wheel cylinders. A ruptured line causes an immediate loss of hydraulic pressure and stopping power.

Heard on the job

We need to bend a new hard brake line for the rear axle because the original one rusted through.

Also heard as

  • brake pipe
  • brake hose