How to Change Brake Lines

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How quickly your vehicle stops is more important than how fast it accelerates. In spite of the built-in warning signs -— lights indicating brake fluid levels and dual brake fluid (or master cylinder) reservoirs -— a car's brakes can fail rather unexpectedly. While procedures may vary slightly depending on the vehicle, here are some general tips on how to change brake lines.

Steps

Locating the Brake Lines

1. 1
   Take off the hubcaps, loosen the lug nuts and secure the car on jack stands.
   
   

   
   
2. 2
   Reverse mount one lug nut on every tire and fasten it against the rotor.
   
   
3. 3
   Open the hood and find the master cylinder (brake fluid reservoir). Check your owner’s manual for the exact location if you’re unsure.
   
   
4. 4
   Examine the brake fluid level in the reservoir for leaks. A drop in fluid typically indicates worn brake pads or shoes. Replenish any lost fluid and recap the cylinder.
   
   
5. 5
   Check to see if the master cylinder is damp and replace if necessary.
   
   
6. 6
   Move along the vehicle’s underside looking for signs of a leak. You may need to feel along the brake line itself since the fluid’s transparency makes it difficult to see.
   
   
7. 7
   Pursue both brake lines to the tires. Pay particular attention to the area where the brake lines connect to the wheel cylinders. Change the cylinders if they show signs of moisture.

Changing the Brake Lines

1. 1
   Take the wheel off for easier access to change brake lines. Spritz the area where the hose and caliper or brake drum intersect and any rusted clips with a deep-reaching lubricant, such as WD-40. Let the sprayed parts sit for about one hour.
   
   
2. 2
   Loosen and dislodge the fittings with a “flare nut” or “line wrench.” Cap off the brake lines if there are signs that brake fluid is leaking.
   
   
3. 3
   Detach any clips and fasteners that are securing the brake hose to the struts or body mount. Put in a new hose and secure all its fittings.
   
   
4. 4
   Refresh any lost brake fluid before bleeding the brake lines.

Testing the Brakes

1. 1
   Lower your vehicle to the ground and place the tires back on their rims. Secure the lug nuts and put the hub caps in place.
   
   
2. 2
   Tap the brake pedal a few times without the motor running until all the slack in the line is removed.
   
   
3. 3
   Go for a test drive to see if the brakes are functioning correctly. If your brakes feel “soft” when applied bleed the brake lines again.

   
   

Tips

• Protect your hands with latex or rubber gloves.
• Avoid brake fluid coming in contact with rubber or plastic materials.
• Follow proper safety procedures when jacking up a vehicle.
• Change your brake lines in pairs. When one line needs bleeding most likely the second one will too.

Warnings

• Brake fluid will melt your car’s paint. In case of fluid spills rinse the area immediately with cool water.
• Only use the brake fluid and brake lines that are recommended for your make and model vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual or with any auto parts store.

Things You'll Need

• Jack stands
• Wrenchs (open end, flare nut or line)
• Brake fluid
• New brake lines and hose
• Spray lubricant (WD-40)
• Soft cloths

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