2000 Ex v10
Did anyone else have any problems with rusted out brake lines? My ex is in great shape and doesn't see much bad weather - it only has 35,000 miles. I was heading down a steep hill to a busy intersection the other day and I stepped on the brake, began to slow, but then my foot went to the floor. It continued to slow a bit (pumping didn't help) and I wound up taking a fast left into the intersection- luckily no one was comming. Certainly a white knuckle experience. I nursed it back home and found rusted brake lines, leaking about midway along the frame. (everything else under there is pretty clean - no rust)
I spoke to 2 different mechanics who said it wasn't that unusual for Ford trucks because of the way they mount the the lines- although many never have the problem at all.
Any one else experience this? Is it worth replacing the lines with stainless ones? I also thought since I'll be replacing the lines, I'd look into replacing the hoses and flushing out the whole system. Has anyone replaced the rubber hoses with stainless steel wraped ones? Does it reduce any of the spongy-ness of the stock system? Is it worth it? Any sources?
Any thoughts on the subject(s) would be appreciated.

 

hmm, makes me wonder about mine. glad to hear that you didn't get into an accident. i think i'll take a look under mine tomorrow.

 

Had To Replace Mine This Winter I Was In A Hurry So I Used Steel, I Replaced A Buddys And He Like You Had Low Miles 39000, So I Think Its A Problem, If It Sits It Will Rust, Oh Ya Mines A 2000 4+4 That I Use More In The Winter, I Live In The North East So Salt Doesnt Help,n I Bled The **** Out Of Mine And Changed The Front Rubber Lines As Well.

 

Talking to a few others, it does seem to be a problem. The clips seem to be the place to look first, even if the rest of the line looks good (mine looked pretty rusty along the whole length).

When you replaced the rubber lines, did you use the stock lines or the stainless jacketed ones?

 

rubber factory lines

 

My former '94 Bronco had a similar problem. Had the front to back line go...while towing the trailer. I used the trailer brakes and managed to limp to a garage.

I was about 50 miles from home to go the Mopar Atlantic Nationals with my '72 Plymouth. I found a local garage willing to do th repair while I was at the show. I drove my Plymouth to the show and left the truck for the fix.

The rest of the lines showed no serious rust issues, and it was find until I sold it.

I guess I was in some ways fortunate to have the trailer with me for it's brakes...but it got lots of brake fluid on it.