Notices
1997 - 2003 F150 1997-2003 F150, 1997-1999 F250LD, 7700 & 2004 F150 Heritage
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Auxito

rear brake lines

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 11, 2009 | 01:49 PM
  #1  
JP_McCann's Avatar
JP_McCann
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
rear brake lines

The line that goes to the the rear had a hole in it somewhere so i am going to replace the entire line. what is the best way to do this. I can't run the lines where they come from because the are attached on top of the frame, unless there is a way to get them off. any help you be great. the truck is 1997 F150 4x4 off road short bed regular cab 4.6.
Thanks
JP
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2009 | 02:45 PM
  #2  
Thomas Hutchins's Avatar
Thomas Hutchins
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Brake Lines

I think the best method is to remove the entire line from the engine compartment to the junction block just ahead of the rear axle. Then replace it with polymer coated line. You will need to use several sections of line of various lengths in order to bend it to fit over/under and beside the frame. I did it a year ago using polymer coated line and the connectors from NAPA, however I am sure that other parts house have simalar set-ups. Be sure to get a good quality bending unit.
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2009 | 04:36 AM
  #3  
BATTLIN_BLAZES's Avatar
BATTLIN_BLAZES
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: HARPERSFIELD OH
I just changed mine I left the old line behind, there was room on the clips in the frame for another line so I just slid the new line into that spot wasn't too bad soak your fittings in penerating oil for a couple days in advance should come apart. the front line I couldnt get apart so I cut it at a good spot and installed a compression fitting. pretty easy task. soak your bleeders too as you will need to bleed the air when your done. good luck
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2009 | 05:20 AM
  #4  
BATTLIN_BLAZES's Avatar
BATTLIN_BLAZES
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: HARPERSFIELD OH
also my 01 had teflon coated line ran from the master cylinder about half way down the drivers door it was still in good shape so I replaced it from there back, there is a junction there. not sure why they stopped there with the coated line but they did. I went back through and coated all the rusty lines I could find with white lithium grease to try to help future issues too.
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2009 | 02:31 PM
  #5  
JP_McCann's Avatar
JP_McCann
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
so i got the lines in. Now one major problem. All of the bleeders are rusted in place. I don't want to try too hard to remove them for fear of breaking them off. What is the best way to try to loosen the bleeders. I have tried/am trying PB blaster.
Thanks
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2009 | 02:56 PM
  #6  
BATTLIN_BLAZES's Avatar
BATTLIN_BLAZES
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: HARPERSFIELD OH
I soaked mine 2-3 times a day for a few days, I also tapped them lightly with a hammer right on the face the key is lightly. all you want to do is jar them to break the rust up a little and soak them again. if you cant get them that way try tapping your wrench lightly just to jar them loose. this is the part for patients. you may also try a little heat if you have a burnsomatic or torches Ive never been a big fan of heat but some guys swear by it.
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2009 | 02:59 PM
  #7  
BATTLIN_BLAZES's Avatar
BATTLIN_BLAZES
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: HARPERSFIELD OH
make sure you have a good fitting wrench or socket here also they round off pretty easy good luck
 
Reply

Trending Topics

Old Mar 15, 2009 | 05:58 PM
  #8  
steve(ill)'s Avatar
steve(ill)
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
tap on them with a hammer, and use a good 6 point socket.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 15, 2009 | 06:07 PM
  #9  
JP_McCann's Avatar
JP_McCann
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
anyone know what size they are?
 
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2009 | 04:31 AM
  #10  
BATTLIN_BLAZES's Avatar
BATTLIN_BLAZES
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: HARPERSFIELD OH
I think they were 3/8 if I remember right.
 
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2009 | 04:41 AM
  #11  
vze2sgxa's Avatar
vze2sgxa
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 467
Likes: 1
From: Where the war is...
You can also use a special L-shaped bleeder wrench with two sizes of the six point socket on them; I did that this weekend when I changed frt shoes and rotor out. I soaked it in pb blaster, then put the wrench over the fitting, and tapped lightly on the sides of the wrench where it fits over the bleeder, very lightly at four or five different points around it, then a little more solvent, repeated it a couple times and the bleeders broke loose no problem.
 
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2009 | 03:35 PM
  #12  
JP_McCann's Avatar
JP_McCann
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
well the fronts broke loose. The backs not so much. they didn't move at all. they did become nice and round and then after round all sorts of chewed up from the vice grips. So i looks like i will be replacing things. Any other suggestions?
 
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2009 | 10:03 PM
  #13  
Club Wagon's Avatar
Club Wagon
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 8
IMO & many others "good luck" & a prayer-nix the "compression fitting"! Did you use a brass "compression fitting"? IMO there is no debate or controversy about this. If there is some reliable source that does recommend them please post details here.

Originally Posted by BATTLIN_BLAZES
I cut it at a good spot and installed a compression fitting.
good luck
To quote 'Popular Mechanics' & countless other authorities:

"Never use a compression fitting on any brake line. Ever. The pressure in the brake line during a panic stop is about two orders of magnitude too high for the design of a compression fitting."

The correct flare & fittings are the only safe way to repair steel brake lines. I've owned a flaring tool & been making reliable flare connections since the late 60's. Please, NEVER install a "compression fitting" on a brake line "Ever."!
 

Last edited by Club Wagon; Mar 25, 2009 at 10:15 PM. Reason: make reply more emphatic
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2009 | 11:47 PM
  #14  
JP_McCann's Avatar
JP_McCann
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by JP_McCann
well the fronts broke loose. The backs not so much. they didn't move at all. they did become nice and round and then after round all sorts of chewed up from the vice grips. So i looks like i will be replacing things. Any other suggestions?
I don't know if this was confusing or not but i am taking about the bleeders breaking loose. the lines are all in and done. I just need to bleed the system.
 
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2009 | 12:06 AM
  #15  
Club Wagon's Avatar
Club Wagon
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 8
Gnashed up bleeder screws will occasionally come out using extractors like EZ-Outs & many parts stores sell replacements. Since bleeder screws are already drilled out they're a natural for extraction sometimes. Its a gamble, but may be worth a try.

May need to remove the wheel cylinder to do it right, might as well just replace them. Shop around, I've found widely ranging prices.

We presume the penetrating oil was shot right down the hole in the bleeders, not just the outside? You can actually get the lube to the inside of the threads via the 'port' hole.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:19 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE