Brake problem

[stookes24]

Well, the rear brakes went out of my 93 s10 today! There is a hole in the line up by where the drivers side rear brake line starts to bend to run along the frame by the wheel. What are suggestions for fixing this? I tried to follow the brake like a ways and it looks like it could be a real pain to replace the line!
Any help?

Thanks!

[MT-2500]

If it has a hole in you will have replace it.
If the line between fuel tank and frame is where you are having trouble getting to it.
Get a couple 60" steel brake lines and a union them together and slip it between tank and frame.
Then tbolt it to rear flex hose and go to the front as far as needed with more line.

[DelCoch]

Originally Posted by stookes24

. . . it looks like it could be a real pain to replace the line! . . .

Yep, a real pain! I just did it on my '95. I imagine the procedure will be somewhat the same on your '93. If you’re not mechanically inclined, take it to a repair shop.

It looked almost impossible to remove the whole length of the brake line, as it runs from one side of the frame to the other, then on top, between body supports, etc.

What I did was to disconnect the line up front on the frame at a union located near the left front wheel and disconnected the line from the hold downs located along the frame. Then I disconnected the line at the rear flex hose on the rear axle. This let the brake line slide out a little on the outside of the frame, before it goes to the inside of the frame, (under the rear edge of the rear door on my 4-door). At this location, the line is straight for a few inches on the outside of the frame and can be cut and spliced with a new line to run to the rear. When cutting the old line that stays on the car; keep in mind you need to leave a straight piece at least 2 maybe 3 inches long to put a fitting on and then still have room for the flaring tool. This applies to the new brake line also, as you can’t get a fitting on a curved piece and then try to flare the line.

I made the mistake of trying to get all the curves, etc, in the new line by comparing it to the old piece that I cut off, not realizing I had put a few new bends in the old line when I removed it. Plus, I cut the new line a little short. Just get the new line to somewhat match the bends in the old line you cut off and then cut the new line to the length needed and do the final bends when putting it on the car after first connecting it at the rear flex line. Cut the new line an inch or so longer than the old one, as you can make it shorter by adding a bend or two when putting it on the car.

Put a fitting on the new line and flare it on the end that will join the old line that is still on the car, before putting the new line on. Then flare the old line that is still on the vehicle, (where you cut it) join the two together with a union, bend the lines to get them to go where they need to go, being careful not to get a kink in the line when bending it. Re-connect the line at the front wheel, re-connect the line hold-downs as much as possible, add brake fluid, bleed the rear brakes and you should be good to go.

Needless to say, you need to remove the rear wheel and the spare tire, (if stored under the vehicle) to have room to work. Good luck and let us know how it goes.