okay so i have been in need of new front brakes and i was under the truck today feeling around the rotors to see if i needed new ones or not, and i saw this line that is pretty rotted and split from where its supposed to be connected, what is it for, and do I need to replace this as soon as possible or is it something i can wait to do when i do brakes and ball joints? heres a couple pictures:

im looking at the line to the left.
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That's the ABS sensor wire.

 

would that be why that side my brakes have been locking up randomly?

 

Looks like the vacuum hose for your front hubs.

 

That is NOT the ABS sensor. The ABS sensor attaches to the outside of the brake shield (i.e. under the brake disk). That is, if you have ABS at all.

That is the vacuum hose to engage the hubs. If you have manual hubs, this is not needed and can be capped. Do NOT leave the hose open to atmosphere, dirt and moisture can invade the vacuum area and destroy any seals (1 $40 one that I know of, possibly others) and cause rust. Left for too long, contaminates can migrate to the vacuum pump and ruin it.

As long as that hose is torn like that, your vacuum hubs (if you still have them) will not work correctly.

 

Vacuum for hubs. Hose clamp gives it away.

 

No, could mean the drivers side is not sliding properly. Pic is vac line for hubs.

 

No. ABS will not cause random hub lock ups. Failure of ABS will cause ABS to disengage and return your braking to a non-ABS type of system function.

The problem you are facing probably comes from sticking (or jammed) slide pins. There are instructions on FTE that will guide you through fixing / replacing them.

 

I have manual hubs that i have to lock and then turn the **** to 4 wheel drive for them to engage, do i still need this line?

 

gotcha, sounds like i got a little more than brakes and ball joints to do lol

 

Nope. Cap it if you have manuals.

 

alright thanks for the quick responses and help guys!

 

Hose is auto locking hubs vacuum line.

while at the parts store pick up brake slide pin grease or anti squeeling stuff.

Clean everything with air blast the brake parts cleaner. Regrease and put back together.

 

Are they stock or aftermarket? If stock they should have auto and lock. If your vacuum is working properly u can just leave it in the auto position.

 

there stock