Brake Trouble - Advice?

[surly98]

Hello and thanks if you choose to respond.

I have a '94 XLT Eddie Bauer (133k mi) under which I've noticed a slowly growing puddle of brake fluid. I've looked underneath (driver's side rear) and it appears to be coming from a corroded metal brake line. It's a slow leak, I've been driving it (carefully) for about a week now and refilling the fluid by about a shot glass every third day or so. I'm somewhat handy with tools and am willing to tackle most jobs. Questions:

1) What's a good part source?
2) Can I buy precut, prebent metal lines with the fittings installed, or am I going to need a bender and a cutter and ...?
3) Can I get away with only changing the leaky line, or should I bite the bullet and do this at each wheel? In other words, is this a common problem?
4) Any pitfalls that I might encounter?
5) Any ideas as to how much this would cost at the mech's?

Thanks.

Jay

 

[gundrum]

Corroded brake lines are no big deal. Cut a piece out of it where it is corroded and take it with you to the auto parts store. They have the steel line of the correct diameter and the brass connectors to splice it back together. I forget the name of the fittings, I think they are compression connectors. Bleed the brakes and your good to go. That is the cheap fix.

Or go to ford and fork out the big bucks for an oem bent line.

J

 

[marragtop]

I suggest you soak both back bleeders screws with PB or WD40. You will have to get them loose to do the bleeding. If you don't want to deal with the compression fittings, disconnect the line that is leaking at both ends. Most auto stores sell varying lengths of metal brake line that already has the male ends attached. Then you just gently bend it by hand to match the old one.

 

[DeRocha]

The brake line is a standard 3/16" line (from the ABS hydraulic unit to the rear axle brake hose) and can be obtained from any parts store. Check out my Leaky Rear brake line Thread for some info and pics.

 

[93FoRdExPlOrEr]

I suggest goin to Midas - "Trust the Midas touch"

 

[surly98]

Thanks. Now I just need to find the time to do it.

 

[CDW6212R]

I'd suggest finding a good mechanic who has a double flaring tool. Compression fittings are not suitable for brake lines, there is too much pressure.

The hole is likely from rubbing against the frame. Good luck,