Q: How to inspect and replace flexible brake hoses and Brake Line in a Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo?
A: After every six months, the vehicle should be lifted and secured on jack stands so as to inspect the flexible hoses that connect the front and rear brake assemblies with the steel brake lines. Such hoses need to be examined for any cracks, outer cover chafing, leaks and blisters among others. It might be necessary to use a light and mechanics mirror in order to carry out a comprehensive inspection. In case one of these hoses has any defects, it must be replaced. To install a new hose, start by cleaning all dirt from its ends, then trace the path of the hose from the metal line up to the brake caliper while removing any brackets that may hold sections of it onto other components. Unscrew the hose from both ends-caliper and brake line-ensuring that you get rid of the sealing washers. Use new sealing washers to attach your new brake hose into either caliper or wheel cylinder. Then re-attach it to metal line such that it is correctly routed without twisting it. Install additional hose brackets, check if there is enough fluid in master cylinder reservoir and if not top it up; next bleed the system (brake fluid) and test them before putting back into normal driving conditions again. When replacing brake lines, use only approved parts and do not use copper tubing. These pre-fabricated lines can be bought from auto parts stores as well as dealer parts departments. They are designed such they can be bent properly using a tubing bender. After installing these lines make sure you have checked whether there is enough fluid in master cylinder reservoir; add if necessary; bleed off air pressure from braking system completely before switching on ignition (in short).