How To Replace Brake Line?

STEVEKENT1959

MEMBER
1999 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
195,000 MILES

Have a 1999 Toyota Corolla that needs brake line replaced. Do you have step-by-step instructions (preferably with pictures) re how to do this for the do-it-yourselfer or is this best left to the dealership?

Sunday, May 10th, 2009 AT 1:39 PM

4 Replies

DOPEY92

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi, I have the exact problem and would like to see if I can fix it myself, or is it best to leave it for the pros. I do not know which line needs to be replaced, but it is defiinitely leaking brake fluid under the car. I have gone underneath and see it is leaking from one of the metal lines covered by a "plastic cover". Any step by step instructions and pictures would be most definitely appreciated. I have consulted the Haynes manual and they only talk about the hose lines are the brakes. Thank you very much.

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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

If steel lines are leaking, first check the unions, where the steel line connects to a 2 or 3 way union.
They may be loose. It would be unusual for a steel line to rust out on a 1999.

If lines are rusted, you can buy replacement straight lines at most autoparts stores, buy a tubing bender and a double inverted flare kit.

DO NOT USE COMPRESSION FITTINGS ON BRAKE LINES! They are NOT designed for the pressure exerted by the brake hydraulic pressure and can burst causing total brake failure.

You can buy replacement steel (or stainless steel) complete lines from inlinetube. Com and replace the entire steel brake line system.

Brake line connections are called double inverted flare connections, DO NOT use any other type of connection.

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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM

DOPEY92

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the info MMPrince. It's not rusted through, and it's not leaking at the unions. Looks like the line has been punctured. I don't know which one, and was thinking of replacing both. Went to the dealer today and got a price for both lines. I live in Canada and it's $150Cdn for both pre bent and flared. While there, I asked the parts guy how much Service would charge to put it in, he said "the book says minimum 8 hours". I don't mind the parts $, but that seems like an awful lot of time for a job like this. How much of a ride am I being taken for?
I also went to a nearby brakes/tire store and they weren't all that trust worthy or experienced in replacing this type of stuff. They said, "well, you have to bring in the car so we can see the problem, regardless, all labour is a minimum of one hour. Probably 1 should be enough for this job plus a brake flush.
Do you know how much time it would take a weekender mechanic, given the fact I would be on my back with the car on support jacks! I'm not really looking forward to doing the job myself and if it's like 2 hours at the shop, I'll just bite the bullet on this one.
Any pics or step by step instructions?
Really appreciate your help.

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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

The main problem with replacing the steel lines is that you have to get the car high enough off the ground to get the pre-bent lines in without kinking them, (if you are replacing the entire system of lines) and you will most likely have to take off other things to gain access (exhaust system, or rack and pinion for example).

So 8 hours is not totally out of line depending on what you have to remove to get lines in.

While most lines can be repaired (removing bad line and inserting a new piece of tubing), the connections have to be flared and most shops will not do that if replacement lines are available, because it is very time consuming and if not done properly (double inverted flare) can fail and shop would be held responsible.

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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM