Brake line schematics?

[Todd R]

Does anyone have a link to brake line schematics for a 96 explorer. I have a massive leak that I have tracked to just above the rear pumpkin, but I can not see up there and trying to go by feel is not working without knowing what I am feeling. I am draining my reservoir in just a few pumps. I do not have anyone else that can push the brakes for me to be able to be under there and look.

Thanks for any help.

Todd.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

There is a solid line that goes across the rear differential. I would just replace it, I did mine, when I replaced the flex line, and line going all the way back to the rear. it really is not that hard. Just do it right, rent a double flaring tool, from Autozone, when you get the brake line, and them make sure it is the right length. Nothing worse then doing it wrong and trying to route the line around things, and then having too much. Also make sure NOT to run your reservoir dry, then you will have to take your truck to a Dealer to bleed the system.

 

[Todd R]

There is a solid line that goes across the rear differential. I would just replace it, I did mine, when I replaced the flex line, and line going all the way back to the rear. it really is not that hard. Just do it right, rent a double flaring tool, from Autozone, when you get the brake line, and them make sure it is the right length. Nothing worse then doing it wrong and trying to route the line around things, and then having too much. Also make sure NOT to run your reservoir dry, then you will have to take your truck to a Dealer to bleed the system.

Thanks, for the info, it does not appear to be coming from the solid line and due to finances I will not replace that unless absolutely necessary. As for your advice about the reservoir I believe that ship has sailed a couple of times now. (at least the top half it appears).

 

[1996BLKBauer]

The brake line might be $10 for the length you need. I would just replace it for your safety, and others.

 

[koda2000]

if you're planning on fixing this yourself, you're just gonna have to get under there and look to see what's leaking from where. there's a single metal line that runs from the front of the truck toward the rear axle, then there's a rubber flex line that connects the hard line to a distribution block (part of the flex line) which splits the fluid to 2 more short hard lines that run across the rear axle to each rear wheel/brake. do yourself (and everyone else) a favor and don't cheap out on this repair. if you've never used a line flaring tool, and don't have someone to show you how to use it, i suggest you pay to have the job done. it's not hard to use, but it does require technique/practice to get it right. your brakes are not the place for trial-and-error learning.

 

[Todd R]

if you're planning on fixing this yourself, you're just gonna have to get under there and look to see what's leaking from where. there's a single metal line that runs from the front of the truck toward the rear axle, then there's a rubber flex line that connects the hard line to a distribution block (part of the flex line) which splits the fluid to 2 more short hard lines that run across the rear axle to each rear wheel/brake. do yourself (and everyone else) a favor and don't cheap out on this repair. if you've never used a line flaring tool, and don't have someone to show you how to use it, i suggest you pay to have the job done. it's not hard to use, but it does require technique/practice to get it right. your brakes are not the place for trial-and-error learning.

koda, thanks for the description that should be very helpful. My daughter is home from school today so she will be able to pump the brakes so I can see where the leak is. I did not have it jacked up and just could not tell by feel where the line was going and where it split etc. From your description I think it will be in the rubber part of the line.

I have done quite a bit of brake work in the past and have used a flaring toll although it has been a while. Paying to have it done is simply not an option at this point.

Thanks again, I will post how it goes if I can.

 

[Todd R]

Update, I waited until I could use a buddy’s heated garage over the weekend. It turned out to be the brake line running from one side to the other. Replaced it and bled the brakes as well as we could. They worked fine. Unfortunately on my way home driving in snow and freezing rain I had a deer jump off a hillside and land right in front of me. I was only going around 45 but it took out mot everything on my front end.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Update, I waited until I could use a buddy’s heated garage over the weekend. It turned out to be the brake line running from one side to the other. Replaced it and bled the brakes as well as we could. They worked fine. Unfortunately on my way home driving in snow and freezing rain I had a deer jump off a hillside and land right in front of me. I was only going around 45 but it took out mot everything on my front end.

Glad you got the brake fixed, but that sucks about hitting the deer, did you get to keep the meat at least? is the metal bent, or just all the plastic bits messed up, you could get a new grill, head lights, turn signal lights for about $150 off of Rock Auto.

 

[Todd R]

No i didn't keep the meat this time. I always have in the past as long as it was usable. But it was late my daughter had to be up early for school the weather was getting very bad (turning into freezing rain) and it ended up down a very steep and deep draw and I did not have a flashlight. Seeing as I did not know if the radiator was damaged I chose to leave this one behind.

Near as I can tell the metal is ok and the radiator is still holing even though it has hair on it. I'm planning on making a junk yard trip in the next day or two.