HELP - Replacing rear brake lines!!!!

[justice]

A technician said my rear brake lines need replacing. Total cost $200.00.
How hard is it to do this myself? What do I need to get the job done?
I need advice/help asap. It is actually a 1996 explorer if that makes a difference. Thanks

 

[mjones97]

It is easy. 2 bolts to remove it and 2 to put it back on. You then have to bleed the brakes.

 

[justice]

how hard is it to bleed the brakes??? there is a hole in one of the lines and a great deal of brake fluid leaked out, maybe all..i refilled the resouvior once to get it to the shop. by the time i got there the brake was to the floor, little to no fluid left. should i be concerned about the abs system?

 

[Turdle]

Where is the leak-in the metal "crossover" tube along the axle-or in one of the rubber lines to the calipers? I just did an axle swap and have all those lines spare, BTW

 

[justice]

I am not positive, but i would say the metal lines that run along the axle - since the fluid seems to be coming from up/around the rear diff.

 

[mjones97]

then for $200, I would let a shop do it.

 

[Turdle]

It's probably rusted under the metal hold down strap

I have that line-and it really is very easy to replace yourself. Then, have a helper to help bleed the brake lines-it shouldn't take longer than an hour for the whole ordeal. Your helper will pump the brake, hold it to the floor while you loosen the 3/8" bleeder valve on the caliper-letting the air out-close it tightly then have him let up on brake pedal- do this several times-starting at the brake furthest away from the master cylinder ( passenger rear) -working your way to the driver side front brake-
make sure you have some brake fluid on hand to keep the reservoir full.

This repair definitely falls into the shade tree mechanic category.



Then you will step back with beverage in hand, looking at your truck you will say " nothing but a thang"

 

[justice]

I assume the rear consists of two lines (left and right) correct? how much for both, are they in good shape?

 

[justice]

what if the reservior emptied while driving at one point???

 

[Turdle]

the rear is split from the driver side-
so, for the complete set there is a rubber y line with a manifold fitting, the hard line screws into it and goes over the differential, then screws to another single rubber line to the passenger side brake caliper-

They are in real good shape to be honest. Just be sure to not loose the copper washers from your banjo fittings when you remove them. There are 2 on each fitting, one between the fitting seal surfaces and one behind the bolt head, between the bolt head and fitting.

 

[5.0]

make sure you have some brake fluid on hand to keep the reservoir full.

Be sure to keep the reservoir full. If it goes empty while you are bleeding, you will have to start over again.