Extra brake line??
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: CA
Extra brake line??
My '73 F-100 has the normal metal brake line running along the chassis to rubber line that goes to a block attached to the rear axle. From that block two other metal lines go to the two rear wheels. Normal so far....right? But...also out of this block is another rubber line that leads up to the frame about two feet (held by plastic brackets) and suddenly dead ends!!! It's simply cut off and not plugged! Anybody have any idea what that line is for? I've noticed that the rear brakes don't seem to work as well as they should either. ??? Polkat
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Extra brake line??
Vent hose from the rear axle possibly?
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Extra brake line??
Yes, that is the vent hose for the rear axle. When the vehicle is under power the diff heats up and the air and oil expands. If the axle was not vented the pressure would push out oil past the seals big time. Trucks are meant to be taken off the pavement and therefore the vent is extended high up into the frame to prevent water entry. Some cars and many older vehicles just have a small metal vent cap.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 662
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From: CA
Extra brake line??
But is it common for it to be connected at the brake line block? It's made exactly the same as the brake line attached to the same small brass block. I'm sure you're right, and I know about venting the axle, but I've never seen it set up this way. Interesting. Polkat
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Extra brake line??
It is set up that way most of the time if I remember right. If you have to machine a block for the three brake lines and fasten it to the axle tube it is easy just to put the extra connection for the vent in it. I have seen this done since... -well forever.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,214
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From: Minneapolis, MN
Extra brake line??
That is the vent for the rear axle housing. The bolt that holds the brake line block to the housing is hollow and the vent hose attaches to that. Usually there is a plastic or metal vent cap on the end of the hose to keep the dirt out but if it is tucked out of the way it should be no problem leaving it open unless you're in the really deep stuff. Don't plug it tight or you will have problems with the seals.
'77 F-250 Camper Special 400ci
'76 F-250 Supercab 360ci
'71 Mach I 429CJ
huct on foniks wurkt fer me
'77 F-250 Camper Special 400ci
'76 F-250 Supercab 360ci
'71 Mach I 429CJ
huct on foniks wurkt fer me
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
Extra brake line??
The same setup can be found on my 1971 Torino GT, with the long rubber vent tube. I had to replace it because the main brake line to the junction was severed. (air shocks, lift kit... Y'all remember the 70's? 
)
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5362&.jpg
Ford started it; Ford will finish it!
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Ford started it; Ford will finish it!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland, WI USA
Extra brake line??
>But is it common for it to be connected at the brake line
>block?
Yes it is. This photo has the rubber vent hose removed. You can see that the metal tube has a nut-shaped flange to remove it. The brass block has a 'c' shaped end that the goes around the tube/nut. Now, the hose on mine has a regular screw-type hose clamp where yours may have a crimp-on clamp. That's why it might look like the brake hose in this picture.
Hope this helps!
http://www.brayarch.com/~kevin/temp/0314axle02.jpg
>block?
Yes it is. This photo has the rubber vent hose removed. You can see that the metal tube has a nut-shaped flange to remove it. The brass block has a 'c' shaped end that the goes around the tube/nut. Now, the hose on mine has a regular screw-type hose clamp where yours may have a crimp-on clamp. That's why it might look like the brake hose in this picture.
Hope this helps!
http://www.brayarch.com/~kevin/temp/0314axle02.jpg
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
Extra brake line??
Naw, he didn't go too far yet on the detail. He still doesn't have the little hand-painted Blue Oval momograms on them yet.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5362&.jpg
Ford started it; Ford will finish it!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5362&.jpg
Ford started it; Ford will finish it!
I wish I had that problem now!
Extra brake line??