Brake line replacement
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: kitch
Brake line replacement
I ended up with a major leak in the rusted out brake line when I changed the Fuel filter in my '97 F-150. The line is broken right above the fuel filter.
Can I get away with just replacing the line from the connection just ahead of where the fuel filter is located, running to the back? And can I use standard auto store steel line and a connector to hook them together? The existing one looks like some kind of flex line. It looks like about 10 feet, and the longest prefab line at the part store is 5'.
Also, I read a couple of posts about problems with an odd size fitting at the back end of this line. Anyone know what this is about?
Can I get away with just replacing the line from the connection just ahead of where the fuel filter is located, running to the back? And can I use standard auto store steel line and a connector to hook them together? The existing one looks like some kind of flex line. It looks like about 10 feet, and the longest prefab line at the part store is 5'.
Also, I read a couple of posts about problems with an odd size fitting at the back end of this line. Anyone know what this is about?
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 95
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From: Ohio
Brake Line Replacement, '97 F150 2x4
Been there done that, I too had a makor brake line leak. Mine was due to rusted out line and occured just ahead of the line ot brake hose connection in the left rear wheel well.
I ended up replaceing the entire line from the distribution block in the engine compartment to the connection point in the left rear wheel well as it was all very rusty and not suitable to splice.
The OE line is not a flex line but one that has a sprial wire overcoat allowing them to bend it without a tool. You may be best off to get some polymer coated line, connectors and a good tube bending tool.
I had visions of using a couple of long lengths for the job but ended up using six sections of tubing of various lengths along with connectors. This was due to the line moving from inside of the frame, to on top of teh frame to the inside and then aging to the top, then to the outside and then to the inside of the frame and bending one or two lenghts to fit was impossible.
good luck
I ended up replaceing the entire line from the distribution block in the engine compartment to the connection point in the left rear wheel well as it was all very rusty and not suitable to splice.
The OE line is not a flex line but one that has a sprial wire overcoat allowing them to bend it without a tool. You may be best off to get some polymer coated line, connectors and a good tube bending tool.
I had visions of using a couple of long lengths for the job but ended up using six sections of tubing of various lengths along with connectors. This was due to the line moving from inside of the frame, to on top of teh frame to the inside and then aging to the top, then to the outside and then to the inside of the frame and bending one or two lenghts to fit was impossible.
good luck
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
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Tom has the correct plan. the spiral wrap on the old tube is a good place for rust to form. if you can see a spot further up or back that is not all rusty and thin, you can splice there, but when 10 years old, might be best to do all of it. most tube ends are flared. you can buy special fittings at NAPA that let you slide the ends into a compression fitting, to make joints without flares.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 95
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From: Ohio
Lines and hoses
Mike, they were 3/16 and I did NOT replace the rubber hoses in the rear, however since then I have lost the line to the R-front and replaced the lines, hoses and 4 to 5 months later the calibers, all due to excessive rust.
Then 4 Month ago I lost the gas tank while traveling 60 mph with a full load of fuel, so heck your tank straps ASAP.
Then 4 Month ago I lost the gas tank while traveling 60 mph with a full load of fuel, so heck your tank straps ASAP.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 68
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Thanks Thomas
Thanks for the info Thomas. I've decided to replace the hoses on my truck when I do the brake lines. I figure I'll destroy them as everything is so rusted on my truck. I got to my tank straps before they became an issue. When I did them, I took the liberty to scrape the rust off the tank and apply 3 coats of rust bullet on the tank. Hopefully it will last ... hopefully. Thanks for the tips!
Mike-G
Mike-G
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