How to Install a Rear Axle Brake Line

Brake lines must be installed properly to avoid leaks and air in the lines. Either condition can make stopping your vehicle risky. The rear brake lines are attached by fittings to the rear distribution block and the left and right wheel. It is important to visually inspect the old brake lines for any sign of wear or abrasive damage. If the brake lines rub against anything metal, they will get thinner and thinner until a leak develops.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car lift (optional)
• Hydraulic jack and jack stands
• Open-end and box-end combo wrench
• Line wrench
• Drip pans
• New brake line
• Tubing bender (optional)
• Safety glasses
• Flat tip screw driver

1. Raise your vehicle on a vehicle lift or by using a hydraulic jack and jack stands. When raising the vehicle on a lift, ensure the lift locks are in place. Simply raise the vehicle to the desired height and lower it slightly to engage the locking teeth. If you are using a hydraulic jack, make sure the jack is positioned under your vehicle in the center against a solid metal frame part. Raise the jack until your jack stands can be put in place under the rear axle. Gently lower the hydraulic jack, allowing the rear axle to sit down on your jack stands.

2. Purchase rear brake lines at your local parts house or dealer. You can also purchase straight lengths of brake line and use a tubing bender to duplicate the bends in the original lines. When using a tubing bender, once you make the correct bends, you will need to install a new fitting on each end. Leave 1/16th of an inch sticking out past the fitting to ensure that the fitting will make a good seal.

3. Remove the old brake lines using your open-end box-end wrench and your line wrench. Use the line wrench to hold the brake hose in place and use the open-end box-end wrench to unscrew the brake line fitting. Locate the rear distribution block and use your open-end box-end wrench to unscrew the brake line fittings. Use your flat tip screwdriver to loosen all mount clamps and remove the the old brake line. Follow the same procedures for both rear brake lines.

4. Position each brake line in the same place that the old ones were removed. Make sure you install the brake lines in the mounting clamps along the frame rail. Use the appropriate type of screwdriver to tighten the mounting clamps. Inspect each line once it is installed to make sure it is not rubbing against anything.

5. Use your open-end box-end wrench to connect the brake line fittings to the distribution block. Be careful not to cross thread the fittings. Cross threading will require replacement of the line fitting and the distribution block. Turn the fittings clockwise until they are fully engaged. Connect the opposite end of the brake lines to the fittings on the left and right rear wheel brake hoses and tighten until fully engaged.

Tips & Warnings

• Replacing old brake lines will require you to "bleed" the air from the brake system. Consult the service manual for your year and model vehicle and follow the "bleeding" instructions to remove air from the lines.
• Use your line wrench to hold the rear brake hoses in place while connecting the brake line fittings. Any twisting of the brake hose will damage the hose and cause leaks later on.
• Make sure your jack stands are centered on the rear axle tube and the emergency brake is working and set.
• Safety glasses should be worn throughout the procedure to prevent eye damage from brake fluid or falling debris.
• Old brake fluid must be discarded in an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved container.

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