That's not right.

[robin]

I've haven't seen one rust through yet, though I suppose it will happen. The main problem is that when people fit braided brake hoses, they use the original P-clip that is designed to take a rubber coated pipe of a larger diameter. The braiding on the smaller diameter metal brake hose can be abrasive and this cuts through the rubber inner of the P-clip resulting in metal-on-metal contact and in due course a failed brake line

That's why I said it's worth checking them while the wheel is off. The best solution is to sleave the steel hose with a piece of rubber petrol pipe or similar where it goes through the P-clip (or fit a smaller P-clip) - the point being the steel pipe should be clamped in place with rubber and no metal-to-metal contact (you don't want it touching the wishbone really either).

It has happened, so it is worth checking! I think some kits come with a plastic sleave already fitted to the braided hose across it's whole length; these should survive better.

Cheers,
Robin

[campbell]

I think I should put this on my winter maintenance list, I had a chafing one a few years back although an FBF super special cable tie did the trick (on Stelvio or something I think, in fact!!)

[woody]

Robin, once the P-clips on both my brakes lines and handbrake cable were pretty much done through corrosion and perishing of the cushion material when replaced earlier this year.

The part number for P-clips that are the correct (the right fit on the hose and a kevlar cushion) fitting for the stainless hoses is J1221g04; google is your friend for getting a hold of them. A rather large portion of my working day is dedicated to P-clips and attaching hardware.Hence, the overly geeky attention to them.

[Kelvin]

To me in fact, on the M1 on my way to the MOT garage. It was a little bit scary! When I replaced all the brakelines I used some smallish diameter hosepipe from my neighbours garden hose fitted around the brakeline and clamped this using the oroginal P clip. Regardless of how you protect the braided brakelines it is worth checking them regularly for signs of wear.

It has happened, so it is worth checking! I think some kits come with a plastic sleave already fitted to the braided hose across it's whole length; these should survive better.

Cheers,
Robin