Brake Line Replacement

[Punkfinder]

Need to replace a small section of my STEEL brake line from just behind the rear differential to my rear passenger side wheel. I've never replaced brake lines before, just pads/rotors.

 

A few questions:

 

Can I just go to a parts store (e.g. NAPA) and buy a kit with all that I'll need?

 

If so, are these kits/brake lines universal in terms of fittings? Or do I need something specific for my 93 Pathy? Perhaps they have kits made of flexible lines so I wouldn't have to bend the steel lines to match my old ones...

 

Will these kits require tools to flare the lines to make them fit properly?

 

As a fairly amateur mechanic, should I just have my mechanic do this?

 

Thanks

Edited May 18, 2010 by Punkfinder

[Cuong Nguyen]

the auto store has all the loaner tools needed to reflare and bend the lines. They should have the stock size fittings in stock. if they don't just order them.

[KovemaN]

You should take the line off of your truck and down to the parts store so they can match the length and fittings. You can bend it to match yours by hand. No special tools are required.

[nunya]

Just don't go the lazy way out and use compression fittings... makes me cringe just thinking of them in a brake system.

 

 

Metal brake lines are easily bent to the general shape you want(tight turns can be a little tricky and make a kink) I generally don't bother flaring off the existing line and just replace the whole line that blew out from start to finish. Brake line ain't that expensive, it's nice to work with new stuff, and you got the piece of mind it's all fresh line and not gonna blow out 3 inches from your repair in another 2 days. If you are gonna flare and piece in sections make sure to do double flares, nto single... this IS your brakes were talking here, they are a little bit important.

[nige]

do yourself a favor and check with your local dealer to see how much a new one costs. Sometimes they are cheap enough to make you think twice about trying to make your own.

[adamzan]

They are dirt cheap at the dealer. I paid 10 bucks for the one that goes to the drivers side rear wheel. Comes perfectly pre bent.