Brake lines??

[runner97]

Thought I'd check under my 97 4runner today just to see how things looked. I discovered a leak from what appear to be the brake lines. (Two parallel running tubes next to the exhaust that turn upward before reaching rear axle) The leak is right next to catalytic converter. Is this a do it yourself repair or do I have to take it up the you know what at the dealer??

[Brian R.]

Dom't drive it until you get it fixed.

You can buy the brake line (I would buy it from the dealer) and install it yourself. Keep the tubing ID totally clean. Keep a plug in the ends until it is time to connect them.

If you have to bend the tubing to get clearance, be sure and use a tubing bender and bend it as little as possible. If you kink it, it's garbage.

Preferrably torque the fittings with a crow's foot wrench (or tighten it carefully with a good quality box-end wrench with a notch cut out of it.)

Be careful and bleed the brakes completely

Make sure you have a strong brake pedal with the engine running before you put it in gear.

[runner97]

Brian,

Is there an online source for a schematic layout of the lines so I know what I'm getting into?

[Brian R.]

Never mind all that. The rear brake line (only one line until it gets to above the differential) runs on the driver's side of the car, and no where near the cat converter. I bet the lines you see make a 90deg turn upward (under the passenger seat and no where near the rear axle) and go inside the passenger compartment. They are connected to hoses with hose clamps near where you see the leak.

Those are the rear seat heater hoses and tubing. What is leaking is coolant. The other end of the lines run up in front of the firewall on the passenger side of the engine and connect to your heater hoses. They are a snap to replace. On the other hand, the hoses going to the rear heater core are the most likely problem. You have to drain some of the coolant, remove the passenger seat, move carpet out of the way, and possibly the duct and center console before you can get to the blower housing with the hose connections. This is still not a big deal.

[runner97]

Well I guess that's good news...thanks Brian. Is there a way to bypass these leaking lines if I don't want to replace them and still maintain the integrity of the cooling system and sacrifice not being able to use the rear heater?

[Brian R.]

Disconnect them at the firewall connections and run a loose loop of the appropriate diameter heater hose from one connector to the other in front of the firewall. Don't make the loop too tight. If you make a tight loop, it will stress the hose and it will fail faster.