replacing 95 Cavalier brake lines

[billyboy128]

I recently checked the steel brake lines on my 95 Cav 2.2 liter, mileage 126,000 miles, and they dont look to be in very good shape. I didnt find any leaks but theirs lots of rust and scale on them. What would be a ball park figure to have a shop replace all the lines, since I dont think I could do it myself. Talked to a guy at Monroe Brake and he said to bring it in to look it over. He said it could cost from $150 and up depending on the number of lines. I dont want to get ripped but I know theses lines need replacing.

[Airjer_]

I admire you preventative maintenance thoughts on fixing before there is a problem. These lines can last a long, long time. Most cars will never rust through a line. From a do it your self point of view these lines are really easy to replace. It doesn't have to look pretty it just has to work when your done.

Make sure the bleeder screws open on the wheel cylinders and the calipers before you start.

To replace the rear lines your looking at 1-2 hours, 12 to 16 feet of brake line, and some misc. fittings. Based on your areas labor rate you should be able to figure out if the shop quote seems fair. IMO it sounds pretty good.

[J-Ri]

That sounds very fair if that's for both entire sections of line from front to rear. What I always do is use a roll of brake line... the stuff we use has a rust proof coating on it. That means the only place it's going to rust is on the ends where it's flared. It also saves a lot of time and money not having to hook lots of sections of lines together, but it means you have to buy a flaring set... If I remember right, I think the '96 (and probably '95) is bubble flare. If the original fittings are still OK you can just clean them up on a wire wheel and re-use them. Most of the time they're OK to reuse. I just replaced a rear line on my sister's '96 and it cost her $20. For some reason the left line was very rusty and rusted through about a foot right before the hose. Other than that all the lines were good, just a bit of light surface rust.

I agree with Airjer, very easy to replace. Take it to a shop if you'll feel better when you're stopping, but it's easier than you think.