Busted Brake Line, Near Engine

[mr.Hand]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the Dakota forum, spend most time on the Geo Metro forum, which is my work beater.

The 1990 Dakota I have, my trash hauler, has some sort of leak in the brake line junction under the engine. Does anyone know how to fix this part? And exactly which part it is so I can replace it? The lines look steel, and all of them are pretty rusted.

Thanks a lot for your help.

[rhandwor]

I would go to a junk yard and look for a truck with the parts in good condition.
With the motor pulled they are easier to get. Buy the steel lines to the wheels also if the hoses are a lot better than yours unbolt from the calipers. You can get the line going back.
As rust is the big enemy it would be easy to find in the Atlanta area. In the rust belt look for a vehicle with a good body.
The dealer will order you new parts. The steel brake line is available at any parts store. Just don't cut without a double flare tool. Buy a connector and make up proper lengths. I have put all new tubing on when I lived in Ohio. You will also need to buy a tubing bender. At the brass fittings cut off rusted tubing and use a six point socket. I would suggest also buying a line wrench.
They are like a double box wrench with a slit in the side for the tubing.

[jdmccright]

The better brake line materials are either 90-10 CuNi or stainless steel. If you're looking to replace the whole system, you might think about buying a tube flaring kit and tubing stock. But if it's just one or two pieces, a junkyard would be the economical alternative. A good mechanic might be able to fashion a new one for you, too.

Ayup, Dodge scrimped on the brake line material. My '04 QC was a mud & snow runner in the hands of its previous PA owner. And the brake lines, exhaust, and underbody certainly show it...been a PITA getting it all cleaned up.