Brake Line Sizing Problem...Help!

[Tommyclyde]

I've checked the brake threads and haven't seen this addressed. I'm trying to replace a rusted brake line on my '91 4x4. The line coming from the rear wheel is 3/16"...but where it joins the RABS unit it's a larger size. I can't seem to find anyone who can explain this, or a suggestion on how to make this work-eve the auto parts guys were baffled and suggested I call the dealer. Let's just say I trust you guys more. Before I make that call (which I'm sure will end up being expensive)-any thoughts?

Thanks-Tom

 

[Mutineer]

youll have to get the 2 different size heads and re-flare the ends with them on it.

Been there done it, but not with that particular line.

You can get the heads at Oreily's or Carquest, dont think AZ has them. If not Grainger will have them.

Thats Ford's way of making it difficult to fix stuff without thier labor or parts one....youl find they do that alot. How hard would it have been to make them the same size? really?

Anyway, youll need a flaring tool and the correct size/thread pitch heads for the line...
Or you could buy the one from Ford (prolly expen$ive)

EDIT: Unless thats one of the ones where the diameter of the tube is bigger at one end than the other(seen that too), then Ford is about the only way to go, Brother.

Hope this helps

Daniel

 

[DeRocha]

I've checked the brake threads and haven't seen this addressed. I'm trying to replace a rusted brake line on my '91 4x4. The line coming from the rear wheel is 3/16"...but where it joins the RABS unit it's a larger size. I can't seem to find anyone who can explain this, or a suggestion on how to make this work-eve the auto parts guys were baffled and suggested I call the dealer. Let's just say I trust you guys more. Before I make that call (which I'm sure will end up being expensive)-any thoughts?

Thanks-Tom

Tom is the line bigger or just the fitting? From my understanding this occurred because the ABS hydraulic control unit and/or RABS units are metric while the rest of the line is STD.. Instead of re-tooling the factor Ford probably wanted to save a few bucks and just used STD brake line with a STD fitting on one end with a metric on the other. In my case I bought a 3/16" metric line with metric bubble flares (as opposed to std double flares). I then cut the tube and removed both fittings. I then re-installed the large OEM metric fitting from ABS onto the line followed by the std fitting.. I then used a double flare tool to make the correct STD fitting..

NOTE: Don't throw away your old fittings as you can re-use them on the line and save the headache of trying to find replacements.

 

[Mutineer]

NOTE: Don't throw away your old fittings as you can re-use them on the line and save the headache of trying to find replacements.

Good call dont know why i didnt think to say that....

Daniel

 

[Tommyclyde]

Thanks guys-that solves the mystery