Hey guys, kinda wracking my brain over this.

When should we replace the rubber brake hose on our cars?

My car is due to get new brake fluid and I figured I might as well get the hoses replaced while I was at it. But the difference in price a local repair shop is quoting me is astronomical. $70 for a brake fluid flush (that I can rationalize), but $530 to replace hoses and flush. And that's with me supplying the parts (fluid and hoses) in both scenarios!

I checked my hoses the other day and there are no visible signs of degradation. I live in Charlotte NC so fairly mild weather when compared to the rest of the country. It's just that the car is 10 years old and I'm wondering when everyone else decided to replace theirs. If I have to replace hoses I guess I'll DIY it, just really didn't want to (I've always wrenched on my cars except when it came to pressurized fluids and electrical). I'd have to go out buy a few tools I don't have on hand to do it properly. However, I can wait a few years before changing them I'd happily do that too.

It's a 2010 G37 Sport RWD (W/ Akebono) [111,000 miles]

BTW: I checked the service manual and didn't see anything there, and all the posts here seem to reference SS lines which I'm not interested in for a multitude of reasons, not regular maintenance.

 

There is not any set interval for brake hoses. I've not seen one fail at any mileage unless it was abused.

Like..if you've ever pinched yours with pliers...well...you should replace it the same day you decided to pinch it lol. Or if its been damaged in an accident or via something striking it. Its basically an inspect and replace when needed item, similar to radiator hoses.

Extreme climates tend to deteriorate rubber faster. Your climate is probably "just right" for most rubber components.

If you do buy new hoses for street use...I'd go with genuine Nissan/Infiniti parts. I wouldn't trust an "OE replacement" for this or any other critical area.

For track use, stainless is better since you'll have brake pads sending sparks like a grinding wheel does, and hot fluid/ambient heat.

 

Awesome, this was the answer I was kinda hoping for.

If they were damaged, then it is what it is. I'd fork out the cash to get it done right. But they're in perfectly good shape, they're a little dirty... but in good shape from what I inspected. So this is good to hear.

And I'm with you on the genuine Infiniti/Nissan stuff. Some people think it's stupid but I pay extra for OEM parts and fluids for peace of mind (except for engine oil obviously). The Nissan DOT 3 brake fluid is ready for pickup at the dealership so I'll scoop that over the weekend.

I may just grab some OEM brake hoses to have them on hand so that when life happens I'm ready to go. I saw that Z1 is selling some that they are claiming to be genuine OEM for a decent price. Will have to call their customer service at some point to confirm this.

Thanks for the response, really appreciate it!

 

I think such a high labor cost was quoted because of potential issues involved. More so if you're in the salt belt where attempting to replace just the rubber line may result in damage to the hard line. Ask the shop to explain the cost. It doesn't take 4 hours to replace/bleed this.