Brake line replacement?

That's a tough one to call because condition of the vehicle and components play a big role in the work. Keep in mind, bleeders on wheel cylinders, calipers, the master cylinder, proportioning valve and so on can break leading to additional work. Here are videos to help you make your own line or replace the brake flex hose.

https://youtu.be/sO43p4ZFUiM

and

https://youtu.be/1Prs_coIuCg

The process is the same in most cases.

If the vehicle is in fair condition, I had to make the lines, and all bleeders and components being reused were okay, it would most likely take about 4 hours.

I hope that helps. There is no predetermined flat rate time for this type of job. Hope you understand.

Joe

If you want it routed the exact same way, it will take a lot of time.

3/16 line and regular standard thread. The ones that actually connect to the abs unit use different ones connecting to it and vary in sizes but you can usually reuse the old fittings or you can splice into the line before the abs unit. Thats how I usually do it because the line is usually ok right at the abs unit

The bends in the lines are to absorb vibration. The braided sections are because the body wobbles on the frame and the repeated bending caused the metal to work harden and crack. You can try getting a replacement line from the dealer but they don't do a good job of supporting vehicles more than about five years old. Auto parts stores are doing a pretty good job of supplying parts Ford doesn't want to. If they can't help, you can make a line by starting with a pre-manufactured steel line about two feet long, and use a tubing bender to make three loops about three inches in diameter. It will look like a giant spring when you're done.

You'll need to remove the old line first to see what ends they used. Ford used a line on the rear of the Taurus with a double flare on one end and an iso flare on the other. Double flares are easier to make so if you have to make a line with loops in it buy a line with two iso flares, cut one off and make the double flare for that end. The aftermarket parts suppliers are making the lines for the Taurus so there's a good chance they're making parts for your truck too.

If you do this right you won't have to bleed the system down at the wheels. Leave the lower fitting loose, then pump the brake pedal a few inches, (never more than half way to the floor), to run some brake fluid down the new line. Once no more air comes out tighten the fitting, then push the pedal again slowly, then let it release quickly. Any air bubbles will float back up, then they'll wash into the reservoir with the brake fluid that's rushing back.

Chances are you are not able to get a direct fit replacement. As a result, you have two choices. One is to purchase steel brake line sections at a parts store and just remove the old, and bend the new ones to fit. However, the pre-fab ones are already cut to different lengths. If you need a long section, they won't have one more than around 4 feet.

The other option is to purchase a spool of steel brake line, the fittings fot the ends, cut it to length, and then using a double flairing tool flair the ends that bolt to the car. It sounds harder than it is.

Let me know if you have other questions. NOTE: You will have to bleed the brakes when you finish.

Joe

Hi there,

Follow the line till you find a union, this will unscrew, locate both ends and remove as a single pipe, now this will involve a few clamps and possibly loosing other items to aide in its removal, only use a genuine pipe, and make sure that it is re fitted in the same position, the brakes will have to be re bleed to remove all air in the line, if in doubt about doing this, get a mechanic to do it for you.

Mark (mhpautos)