Brake hose failure - does this mean bigger issues?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 241
Likes: 3
From: Tampa FL
Brake hose failure - does this mean bigger issues?
When driving home yesterday in my 95 the brake pressure light came on the brake pedal would fall right to the floor boards when pressed. After investigating today I noticed that the fluid is leaking on the rear passenger side.
I have a few concerns
1. I am pretty certain that the 20 year old hose is bad even though I see more fluid on the brake line and nut by the hose connection.
2. With this being the first hose to actually fail on me should I be concerned about bigger issues causing the hose to brake. Like damaged caliper or a hub that is near the end of life? if so symptoms to be looking for?
The car only has 30,000 miles if that matters.
Thank you everyone for you help. Just grateful that this broke close to home not when I was away.
I have a few concerns
1. I am pretty certain that the 20 year old hose is bad even though I see more fluid on the brake line and nut by the hose connection.
2. With this being the first hose to actually fail on me should I be concerned about bigger issues causing the hose to brake. Like damaged caliper or a hub that is near the end of life? if so symptoms to be looking for?
The car only has 30,000 miles if that matters.
Thank you everyone for you help. Just grateful that this broke close to home not when I was away.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 161
Likes: 4
[QUOTE=BucfanTitan;1590622640
The car only has 30,000 miles if that matters.
Thank you everyone for you help. Just grateful that this broke close to home not when I was away.[/QUOTE]
it's the age of the rubber and possibly a bungee Jump (caliper not supported and falling) or two when bake work was being done.
Replace all four lines
The car only has 30,000 miles if that matters.
Thank you everyone for you help. Just grateful that this broke close to home not when I was away.[/QUOTE]
it's the age of the rubber and possibly a bungee Jump (caliper not supported and falling) or two when bake work was being done.
Replace all four lines
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I would certainly replace all 4 of the rubber brake lines. Many people here replace the lines with stainless flex lines. I have used Earl's lines and never had any problems with them. My '87 is used primarily for autocross and track use so the brakes get a workout. Another good flex line is Goodridge; you can get them from Tire Rack.
It would be a good idea to do a complete brake fluid flush and refill with a good quality DOT3 fluid. Castrol LMA or the Ford
HD Motorsports fluid would do the job.
You should use some brake parts cleaner to clean off the are on the line that is leaking. Once clean, have somebody start the engine and apply the brakes. That should allow you to see just where the leak is coming from. Even if the fitting is just loose, replacing the 4 lines is still a good idea.
It would be a good idea to do a complete brake fluid flush and refill with a good quality DOT3 fluid. Castrol LMA or the Ford
HD Motorsports fluid would do the job.You should use some brake parts cleaner to clean off the are on the line that is leaking. Once clean, have somebody start the engine and apply the brakes. That should allow you to see just where the leak is coming from. Even if the fitting is just loose, replacing the 4 lines is still a good idea.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,330
Likes: 2,722
Were there 8 copper washers supplied with your hoses? If not you'll need them before starting. Before tearing into it I'd compare whatever product you bought to what's on the car regarding length and that it has what appear to be appropriate fittings on each end. Banjo bolt fittings on caliper side and female for "bubble" on the chassis end.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I would certainly replace all 4 of the rubber brake lines. Many people here replace the lines with stainless flex lines. I have used Earl's lines and never had any problems with them. My '87 is used primarily for autocross and track use so the brakes get a workout. Another good flex line is Goodridge; you can get them from Tire Rack.
It would be a good idea to do a complete brake fluid flush and refill with a good quality DOT3 fluid. Castrol LMA or the Ford HD Motorsports fluid would do the job.
You should use some brake parts cleaner to clean off the are on the line that is leaking. Once clean, have somebody start the engine and apply the brakes. That should allow you to see just where the leak is coming from. Even if the fitting is just loose, replacing the 4 lines is still a good idea.
It would be a good idea to do a complete brake fluid flush and refill with a good quality DOT3 fluid. Castrol LMA or the Ford
HD Motorsports fluid would do the job.You should use some brake parts cleaner to clean off the are on the line that is leaking. Once clean, have somebody start the engine and apply the brakes. That should allow you to see just where the leak is coming from. Even if the fitting is just loose, replacing the 4 lines is still a good idea.
