Q: We know copper corrosion can destroy a brake system, but where does the copper come from?
A: If you haven’t heard already, copper corrosion is the No. 1 cause of brake part failure in a passenger vehicle. Your probably saying to yourself, “This guy is nuts. Vehicles come factory equipped with steel brake lines, master cylinders are made of cast iron and some calipers are made of aluminum. There is no copper in a brake system.”
Most people don’t realize that factory-installed brake lines are made from copper-coated steel. Each line starts as flat steel coated with copper. The flat steel is then rolled into a tube and heated to braze or melt the copper. The brazing process makes brake lines seamless. As brake fluid inhibitors wear down copper is the first metal to corrode. Copper ions then begin attacking iron and aluminum and lead to frozen, leaking, malfunctioning brake parts.
Learn how electronic parking brake actuators have replaced manual systems and now play a key role in advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking. This WIYB Training...
Not all fuel injectors are created equal. In this WIYB Training Series, we compare Standard® Fuel Injectors against OE, low-cost imports. See why precision engineering and rigorous...
Carrying active OEM subscriptions for all manufacturers is not possible for many shops. However, access to this software is required for certain modern vehicles and repairs, and...
Learn how to properly lubricate your AIRCAT air tools to keep them running at peak performance. Discover essential daily maintenance and storage techniques, along with the right...
Voice Your Opinion!
To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!
