[shadango]

While poking around the truck lately dealing with my bad A/C compressor, I noticed my front brake lines seem pretty rusty (as does my power steering cooler.) That got me to thinking about my father-in-law who lost the rear brake line on his 98 Dakota not long ago. He said it was a nightmare to change because it wraps up around the gas tank, etc.

I realized my D is almost 9 years old and I run the beach every year and live in the salt belt, so I guess that explains the rust. This is likely be a springtime project and I'm just thinking ahead.

So the question is? How tough is changing the various steel brake lines on a 2003 D? I'd also prefer buying pre-bent lines versus bending my own, I did some of that on my 72 barracuda and had a miserable time with the flare ends! The power steering cooler is also scaly/rusty so I'll replace that too (looks like an easy bolt on job??)

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[dizzyD]

I'd say the biggest issue is bending the lines. Depending on the vehicle, I did it on a 79 Chevy Luv, the flaring tool is fairly easy to use.

 

[shadango]

Yeah, I did the flaring-tool deal on the Barracuda, but it was a rental tool and it turns out it was bad! I eventually got the flares done, but such a PITA! I figure, although more costly, using pre-bent would be easier all around.

Just seems like vehicles these days are built around the brake lines, so I was wondering how tough a job it is?

 

[MWeed]

The question is availability and cost of said pieces versus doing your own.

 

[tomk]

My brother lost the front-to-rear line on his '03 Dak not too long ago and he got a pre-bent line from Mopar and had a mechanic do the install, said he couldn't see getting it done without a lift.

 

[shadango]

When my father-in-law did his front-to-rear he said it was a real PITA. I forget what he did to get it done, but I do recall him saying that a lift would have made a huge difference.

What about the front lines? Are they replaceable without having a lift or disassembling the whole front end? LOL

I'll pay the $$ for pre-bent lines as they look pretty complicated.

 

[Tazdevil]

I have been accumulating the stuff to do this and used the OEM catalog to order most of the parts. I was able to get everything for the back and most of the front. The long line that runs up over the gas tank wasn't available, but mine looks pretty good so I probable won't do it. I think it could be done without a lift, but the tank would need to come down.

I still need to get the rubber lines for the front, but they seem readily available from just about anywhere.

 

[shadango]

I'm hoping the front steel lines aren't too bad to do. What amazes me is the steel lines on my 72 Barracuda seem to be original and are in great shape. That's almost 40 years old and my D is only a 2003. Sheesh!

OK, the Barracuda was never on the beach, but come on.

 

[skitzo.d]

I replaced part of my line to the rear using NAPA's DOT approved compression fittings. I was going to remove the gas tank, but found I could replace the line over the frame instead.

 

[shadango]

So no flaring then, right? Sounds like a great way to go. Did you bend your own since you said you went "over the frame?" Did you do your front lines?

 

[Silent One]

From a previous member's experience: Rear brake issues

I have the materials, now all I need is to finish the install of my new Bendpak HD-14 4-post lift. .

 

[Dman98]

I replaced my front to rear line as well as both lines from the junction block to the rear brakes. The rear steel line from the front attaches to a rubber hose at the rear and then to a junction block. I disconnected the line from the junction, everything it connected to along the frame, the rubber hose and pulled it out from the front. It took a little maneuvering, but it did come out. I made sure I got all of it as a piece had rusted through and broke off. I laid the pieces together on the ground and bent the new line to match the original as close as possible and then snaked it back through using some of the original mounting locations and zips ties to secure it to the frame. I replaced the rubber hose with a stainless steel braided line and replaced the both the lines that go to the rear wheel cylinders. I flushed all the old fluid out of the system and then bled the brakes.