98 C5 with rusty brake lines
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
98 C5 with rusty brake lines
I recently bought a 98 c5 with 112K miles. Great looking car but some issues came up about a month after purchasing. The Antilock brake module and stability control came up as needing service. That part isn't available I'm told. Then an inspection by Chevy dealer service said brake lines were rusted. Talked to a vette shop and they said it was a big deal to fix the brake lines since they were wedged up in the tunnel. Also parts have to be fabricated. Recently the dashboard brake light comes on during acceleration which means check the brakes. Brake fluid level ok and brakes working fine other than antilock.
My plan is to keep driving as the brakes are working and the fluid level seems ok. My question is will this be risky behavior to keep driving or do I have to bite the bullet and pay to have these lines replaced now.
Thanks for your help on this question.
My plan is to keep driving as the brakes are working and the fluid level seems ok. My question is will this be risky behavior to keep driving or do I have to bite the bullet and pay to have these lines replaced now.
Thanks for your help on this question.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,367
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
I recently bought a 98 c5 with 112K miles. Great looking car but some issues came up about a month after purchasing. The Antilock brake module and stability control came up as needing service. That part isn't available I'm told. Then an inspection by Chevy dealer service said brake lines were rusted. Talked to a vette shop and they said it was a big deal to fix the brake lines since they were wedged up in the tunnel. Also parts have to be fabricated. Recently the dashboard brake light comes on during acceleration which means check the brakes. Brake fluid level ok and brakes working fine other than antilock.
My plan is to keep driving as the brakes are working and the fluid level seems ok. My question is will this be risky behavior to keep driving or do I have to bite the bullet and pay to have these lines replaced now.
Thanks for your help on this question.
My plan is to keep driving as the brakes are working and the fluid level seems ok. My question is will this be risky behavior to keep driving or do I have to bite the bullet and pay to have these lines replaced now.
Thanks for your help on this question.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 857
From: MI
Cruise-In VI Veteran
The C5 is reaching the age where items like this will soon need to be addressed and replaced..
The aftermarket already has a solution..just Google Corvette C5 stainless Steel Brake lines and you will find brake line kits...
the downside is it can be a bit labor intensive to replace the brake lines in the chassis tunnel...
Cheers,
Goose
The aftermarket already has a solution..just Google Corvette C5 stainless Steel Brake lines and you will find brake line kits...
the downside is it can be a bit labor intensive to replace the brake lines in the chassis tunnel...
Cheers,
Goose
Last edited by 69; Sep 23, 2021 at 06:25 PM. Reason: spellin
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,013
Likes: 726
The C5 is reaching the age where items like this will soon need to be addressed and replaced..
The aftermarket already has a solution..just Google Corvette C5 srainless Steel Brake lines and you will find brake line kits...
the downside is it can be a bit labor intensive to replace the brake lines in the chassis tunel...
Cheers,
Goose
The aftermarket already has a solution..just Google Corvette C5 srainless Steel Brake lines and you will find brake line kits...
the downside is it can be a bit labor intensive to replace the brake lines in the chassis tunel...
Cheers,
Goose
Last edited by helga203; Sep 23, 2021 at 10:24 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,367
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
The C5 is reaching the age where items like this will soon need to be addressed and replaced..
The aftermarket already has a solution..just Google Corvette C5 srainless Steel Brake lines and you will find brake line kits...
the downside is it can be a bit labor intensive to replace the brake lines in the chassis tunel...
Cheers,
Goose
The aftermarket already has a solution..just Google Corvette C5 srainless Steel Brake lines and you will find brake line kits...
the downside is it can be a bit labor intensive to replace the brake lines in the chassis tunel...
Cheers,
Goose
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
Pulled them out and replaced with the nickel-copper ones that aren't supposed to rust. Forced me into the brake fluid replacement that I'd been avoiding.
I had to make them and learn to do the double-bubble flair but that's what makes Corvette ownership such a thrill.
Brakes are great now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,211
Likes: 167
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
I did! Right in my driveway. Rusty as ****. Both of them.
Pulled them out and replaced with the nickel-copper ones that aren't supposed to rust. Forced me into the brake fluid replacement that I'd been avoiding.
I had to make them and learn to do the double-bubble flair but that's what makes Corvette ownership such a thrill.
Brakes are great now.
Pulled them out and replaced with the nickel-copper ones that aren't supposed to rust. Forced me into the brake fluid replacement that I'd been avoiding.
I had to make them and learn to do the double-bubble flair but that's what makes Corvette ownership such a thrill.
Brakes are great now.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,211
Likes: 167
From: Rochester Hills Michigan