Check your brake lines!!
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Check your brake lines!!
I was headed out to pick up some lumber in my 93 F-150; hit the brakes and the pedal caught, then went right to the floor! Luckily I was able to steer around the car in front of me, Good thing it didn’t happen on the highway. The problem turned out to be a ruptured brake line. After replacing all my lines, the mechanic showed me my old brake lines-rusted metal and cracked rubber. Please, check your brake lines periodically!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Ford uses cheap brake lines, and I can prove it. They rusted through on 2 of my Grand Marquis, AND my '94 Ranger. No accidents, fortunately, but it does make you wonder when your brake pedal goes to the floor. And although the underside of my Town Car is like new, there is one item covered in rust, and will need replacement next year. Yup- the brake lines.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
On a 79 Mustang I had, the brake lines were run under the passesnger side carpet, and rusted through there, now that would be interesting to inspect regularly... But hoses are a common failure, and are easy to spot prior to failure if payed attention to.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
I'll add: my '94 Ranger had a leak develop in the rear brake line due to rubbing with the emergency cable (IIRC). What a pain to find - and fix. I'm sure mine wasn't the only one. Took about 6 years and >170K miles for it to wear through. Makes you appreciate the amount of effort, testing, inspecting, life testing etc. thats got to happen, and happen correctly, to prevent these kinds of things - and even then you won't find everything...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 153
Likes: 3
From: Pompano Beach, FL
Thank god shocks do go bad! Recently went to Sears to have new set of Monroe reflexes put on my 94 F-150, and the guy at Sears told me I needed a new brake line. He showed me the old one and it had literally rusted right off. It's amazing my brakes were still working. Anyway, learned a very good lesson that day to check brake lines periodically....especially here in the salty FL air. My buddy has a 91 F-150 and he recently had one of those "think quick" moments out on highway due to broken brake line.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 0
When you do replace them, spend the extra money and get stainless braided lines if they're available for your vehicle. They're stronger, more resistant to abrasion and you get better pedal feel to boot.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 575
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From: Orlando, FL
Had one scary time too, on the interstate too. Comming up on a car real fast and had nowhere to go. Girlfriend was so scared she started yelling at me to pray with her. I gently told her that she should pray and I would drive. Made it off ok.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,418
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco, Ca.
I had my brakes go out on me back in 1972.
Coming home from the graveyard shift at the Post Office.
Rubber brake hose was rubbing on the tire.
Of all places; on a hill, here in S.F. So you know it was kinda steep.
Ran the red light during rush hour. (brake pedal to the floor)
Luckily I didn't hit anything except a kiddy-corner curb.
Missed a cable car full of people, several other cars and some pedestrians.
Lucky or what?
Coming home from the graveyard shift at the Post Office.
Rubber brake hose was rubbing on the tire.
Of all places; on a hill, here in S.F. So you know it was kinda steep.
Ran the red light during rush hour. (brake pedal to the floor)
Luckily I didn't hit anything except a kiddy-corner curb.
Missed a cable car full of people, several other cars and some pedestrians.
Lucky or what?