Brake line(s) ruptured

[dj1111]

I was working on the front brakes and once complete I went in the car and pumped the brakes to expand the calipers. A couple of pumps and suddenly the pedal went to the floor. That was a sick feeling. This is a 2000 SL2. Looked under the car and the lines going to the rear brakes where wet for several feet with fluid and one or both burst and brake fluid was dripping fast. I'm really sad.

In my younger days I would have been up to the challenge and likely changed the lines myself. But now I just don't feel like diving into it. I payed $4700 for it in 2005 and have driven it for over 17 years now. It's given us a long history of dependable driving. But last year the fuel pump went out and then the ignition control module and coil packs. Plus it needs tires before winter. It's to the point where what's next?

Looking at the brake lines it looks like a pretty big job. And all the clips and screws holding the lines to the frame and brackets are pretty rusty. I live in the upper Midwest so there's the salt in winter. Plus it would be much better to do this with a lift which I don't have.

Has anyone out there replaced the brake lines on one of these? And if so would you ever do it again, LOL?

[Blue Bowtie]

Wholesale replacement is sometimes easier than piecemeal replacement of just a few sections. The number of rusted fittings involved can really escalate the labor times.

I've done complete replacements on 4WAL systems which usually involve at least 8 lines. Making new lines with bubble flares in copper/nickel tubing is the only way to go here in the rust belt. That would cover everything from the master cylinder, through the ABS unit, and on to each wheel where hoses connect.

Some shops do this routinely and can be surprisingly economical compared to dealerships and certainly compared to replacement car payments. It may be worth asking around.

[dj1111]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

through the ABS unit

Mine does not have ABS. Should make it easier.

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

Wholesale replacement is sometimes easier than piecemeal replacement of just a few sections. The number of rusted fittings involved can really escalate the labor times.

I've done complete replacements on 4WAL systems which usually involve at least 8 lines. Making new lines with bubble flares in copper/nickel tubing is the only way to go here in the rust belt. That would cover everything from the master cylinder, through the ABS unit, and on to each wheel where hoses connect.

Some shops do this routinely and can be surprisingly economical compared to dealerships and certainly compared to replacement car payments. It may be worth asking around.

+1 on a one piece brake line replacement.

A good shop will be able to bend to fit, if the original part is not available.


But dj1111, you have a good point. A 22 year old car can nickle and dime you to death. Everyone's different on tolerance but as a wise man on e said, "you either make payments, or you make repairs".