2002 XLS brake line leak.

[Mtwarcher]

Hi , i have a 2002 XLS that has developed a leak on one of the braided flex lines at the exit of the ABS pump m my question is can these 6 inch sections of integral flex parts on the brake lines be replaced with solid all the way from the pump to the calipers .

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Your thread was moved into the stock 2002 - 2005 Explorer section. Check WWW.RockAuto.Com for the part.

 

[mountaineer2004]

Hi , i have a 2002 XLS that has developed a leak on one of the braided flex lines at the exit of the ABS pump m my question is can these 6 inch sections of integral flex parts on the brake lines be replaced with solid all the way from the pump to the calipers .

Yes, I'm fairly sure. I've lost brakes 3 times on this vehicle (!) and I remember my mechanic specifically mentioned the ABS line once, saying the pumps were strong (or something to that effect). Here's pics so you can see for yourself.

^ I believe he replaced the one arrowed, although I could be mistaken about that.

 

[mountaineer2004]

^ He said Ford didn't make the part anymore, and this was years ago.

 

[Mtwarcher]

Thanks it does look like your lines are completely solid , I have found some pretty good pre formed brake lines that look to fit pretty good just have found none with the short braided flex set . I just wasn’t sure if the flex was required , I’ve heard they were just to assist in assembly line install and also due to strong pump pulses . I’m guessing it’s going to be no flexes seems to be working on your setup . Thanks again

 

[J_C]

Ideally you would replace the flex sections with more flexible line like nickel copper and put a few ~2" loops in it for strain relief. The flexible sections are not just to aid in vehicle assembly but rather to not bend the line back and forth as much in the same spot, to spread that out away from a small rigid section, when the cab moves on the frame, remembering that the body mounts are rubber bushings and the body and frame flex themselves too.

 

[mountaineer2004]

Ideally you would replace the flex sections with more flexible line like nickel copper and put a few ~2" loops in it for strain relief. The flexible sections are not just to aid in vehicle assembly but rather to not bend the line back and forth as much in the same spot, to spread that out away from a small rigid section, when the cab moves on the frame, remembering that the body mounts are rubber bushings and the body and frame flex themselves too.

When it was replaced, he did put in 2" loops...I figured because he had excess and just wanted to use it up...silly me (that's why I never touch brake repairs) !

^ closer view of the loops