Brake lines - My explorer is bleeding!!

[robbie_star]

So, Im leaving work today, and im pulling up to an intersection when I notice I dont really have any breaks.. Calmly (Swearing and praying to jebus) I come to a stop and manage to get back into the parking lot where I waited 2.5 hours for CAA to give me a tow.. My breakline exploded on/near the rear drivers side wheel, leaving a nice puddle of brake fluid. Has this happend to anyone recently? How much is this going to cost to fix??? Should I do it myself? I really need this thing going by friday night, because I will have no way to work and I need to be places! Any ideas/comments will help!

 

[mrboyle]

You should be able to get a new line from any parts house. Replacing it is a matter of removing the old line, intalling the new line and bleeding the system.

 

[robbie_star]

How much do brake lines usually cost (In Canada)? Also, how long would it take for a mechanic to do? Anyone know?

 

[DeRocha]

Brake line is very inexpensive. On my '93 the line was a continious run from the Master cylinder all the way back (about 12feet of line). See Rear Brake line Thread The line is 3/16" and comes from the auto store in Standard lengths with connections on both ends. I picked up several of each length and couplings to join them together (I returned the unused sections). The line bends easily with your hand, but you can also get a tube bender to help make accurate bends. The total cost was under $25 including the brake fluid. The only real pain was having to drop the fuel tank to correctly route the brake line. I have never worked with brake line before so it took me about 5 hours to replace the line. 3 hours of "Thinking" and 2 hrs of actual work. So a shop could do this job fairly quickly...

 

[dpom]

I had the same problem on the other side, definite DIY. I replaced it myself and bled the brakes with my bro. I didn't bother dropping the gas tank though, I just routed the new brake line on the outside of the frame (is that dangerous?) The new line and compression fittings are really cheap though. And be careful not to round off any of the bleeder valves like I did.

 

[DeRocha]

I didn't bother dropping the gas tank though, I just routed the new brake line on the outside of the frame (is that dangerous?)

It depends: For street use I would assume it's ok. If you offroad the line(s) would be subject to trail abuse, so dropping the tank is the way to go..