Things You'll Need:
- Maintenance manual
- Replacement brake lines
- Appropriate-sized wrenches
- Assistant
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Step 1
Inspect each brake line, looking for cracks, flaking or other signs of wear and tear. It is highly recommended to replace a line if you find any sign of wear and tear (it is also a good idea to replace all flexible lines at the same time).
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Step 2
Refer to your vehicle's maintenance manual to help you locate the exact location for each connection on the flexible brake line. One connection will be behind each tire where the line connects with the wheel's braking mechanism (either drum brake pistons or disk brake calipers). The other end of the flexible brake line will connect to a steel line attached somewhere along the frame of the vehicle.
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Step 3
Remove one line at a time using the appropriate size wrench for your vehicle. Use shop rags or an old plastic container to catch brake fluid that exits the system while you are replacing the lines. However, do not use this fluid again in the system. Any fluid that leaks out should be considered contaminated.
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Step 4
Replace lost fluid in the brake fluid reservoir under the hood next to the firewall. You will need to do this several times throughout the next step. Be sure and replace the cap on the reservoir in between filling up each time to prevent contaminating the hydraulic system.
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Step 5
Bleed the brake system to remove all air that entered the system while you were replacing the brake lines. Excess air in the system can be compressed, resulting in brake failure while driving. Brakes should be bled by using an assistant to keep pressure on the brake pedal while you open the bleed valve on each wheel assembly, one at a time. The sequence is important and should be done starting from the longest line from the reservoir and working your way from back to front (usually right rear, left rear, right front and then left front).
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Step 6
Refill the brake fluid reservoir again and test drive the vehicle. Any softness or strange feel in the brakes when driving is an indication that the brakes should be bled again. If you continue to lose fluid, re-examine all of the new connections and lines for any additional leaks.
