40 years ago we had better metals. Even our 86 that went threw the same conditions that all of our trucks do has less rust than any of the new trucks.

An option for stainless lines would be nice if it can't be on all vehicles. Like rear window defrost.

 

If you want stainless steel brake lines so badly.. you can do an entire truck with it yourself over a weekend.

 

I shouldn't have to, the manufacturer should do it if they care about their customers.

 

Stainless sucks!!! Try flaring it.. OMG

 

I like stainless, flares just fine if you do it right.

 

Years ago brake fluid was DOT 3, I believe, which is hygroscopic. That is, it attracts moisture from the air, thus causing rusting from the inside out. It was recommended to flush the brake system on a periodic basis. Could this be your problem???

 

Never seen any brake system rust from the inside out... You need oxygen also. Its just good to change fluid as it gets funky over time.

 

DOT 1-4 are all glycol based, and they all absorb water.

A minute amount of moisture diffuse / vacuumed / go past the seals of a modern brake system, plus at certain points (reservoir) it is exposed to air and moisture.

The standard estimate is 2% of its volume is water after one year, gradually increasing to as much as 8% in a system where the fluid has not been changed over years.


DOT 5 is suppose to be non hygroscopic (do not absorb water), BUT, water still enters the system, and whats more, when it does, it pools, and if it pooled in just the right, or should I say wrong place, it can freeze in place and jam a brake system either as ice, or by corrosion.


To answer the question: yes, brake systems can rust both from inside and out.

Both water and air enter the system to provide oxygen.

To see evidence of corrosion, simply take a fluid sample off an old vehicle, and analyze it for rust -- you will find plenty.

Sometimes, I have disassembled calipers and see rust spots on the inside (from pooled water).

Corrosion also tend to happen with caliper pistons under the nickle plating, and work its way inside until it completely compromise the piston seal --- offering a direct path for water and air and contaminants straight to the bore.

Frequent changes of brake fluid (every 2 or 3 years max) is strongly recommended for high performance brake systems.

Once a year for real critical systems.

 

yeah the lines were something i should have checked.i just bought in march and had to get the hubs working and was trouble shooting the knock on start-up.(which goes away when warm,i gave up on that).the lines was just something i over-looked.now i need new exhaust because the muffler has a hole but that will wait till spring and need sway bar end link bushings.but hey for 154,000 miles it runs great yet!

 

Because of rusted lines the brake systems in our trucks get flushed pretty much every year.

There are two major causes for early rusting out of brake lines now days.

1. the big one for us salt belt saps is the use of the new improved liquid salt. This new liquid salt gets in everywhere! Any little crack, nook, seam, hole, corner, etc. It is horrible stuff for vehicles!

2. cheap recycled metal. Not only factory OEM metals are cheaper, thinner, junk but aftermarket metals like brake lines are just total ****. On average the aftermarket brake lines on our trucks last 1-2 years before needing replacement again. Even the coated steel brake lines they have now.


There is a third reason for factory rust having to do with american companies not protecting bare metal under vehicles but that is a whole other discussion.


Like mentioned earlier, older vehicles didn't have as many rust problems as the newer cars. Mostly because of better metals and the vehicles were used back when only rock salt was used.

Lots of these little 'things' is why I have love my honda in my sig. Some import vehicle companies take the time to prevet rust like honda. the brake lines in my 1989 civic look brand spankin new, know why? They are ran inside the car from the factory, that is smart thinking. Where they have to run outside the cabin they are covered with a rubber liner plus they are coated with paint.

 

Actually, the brake lines on my '350 are also painted, which I discovered just as I was prepared to paint them myself.

 

I did not know the newer fords had painted/coated brake lines. Good to here they finally stepped up to that new cutting edge technology of painting bare metal.

 

Heard they are using state-of-the-art watercolors.

 

The super new washable stuff?

 

was that just a random link you found, or do you have a Healey? I've got a 1955 100-4 BN1 with less than 3000 miles on it thats waiting for me to restore it.