ABS brake line replacement

[Dutchinohio]

I am looking at buying a 95 Crown vic police cruiser. Everything is pretty decent, but the brake lines under the hood are very rusty. Although they work, I wouldn't trust them too long.

My Haynes manual warns against opeing up the hyraulics and that special tools are needed to service. Is it really that difficult and does it require anything special or is there a home based way to do the seemingly simple job of replacing hard lines?

Thanks!

[way2old]

That seemingly simple repair can cause great damage to you or the car. The brake lines can be replaced easily enough. You just have to have the tools to cut and flare the proper ends on the lines. Then you need a scan tool that is capable of energizing the ABS control module to be sure all the air is out of the system when you bleed the brakes.

[Dutchinohio]

Thanks, Way2Old... I have the double flare tools and brake lines are not a problem for me. Iwas just trying to get a handle on the ABS component. I'll explore the brake scan tool option to see if it makes sense to bu the tool rather than pay the labor...

[way2old]

The tool will cost you a lot more than the labor to bleed the system. You can sort of by pass it by making a few panic stops and bleed again. If you do it enough times, you may be able to get by. As long as the pedal stays firm and does not fade away, you shouyld be OK for awhile. Good luck.