Brake fluid spraying everywhere!

[dz63]

Hi Guys - One of the steel brake lines going to the rear drum brakes on my 1996 2.2L Camry has rotted out and brake fluid is spraying everywhere when brake pedal is applied. I took off the plastic guard and there are five lines going to the rear. All of them are in pretty rough shape but only one is currently dripping. I have several questions:

1) Why are there five lines? One for RR brake. One for LR brake. One for fuel. How about the other two?

2) Does the entire steel line have to be replaced from front to back, or can just the rotted out section be replaced?

3) It looks like the brake line might be routed up above the gas tank. Does the gas tank need to be dropped to replace the brake lines?

4) Anybody ever done this your driveway? It looks like a miserable job without a hoist. I am thinking about caving in and getting the car towed to a local independent mechanic for this repair. Your thoughts?

5) The steel line will be cheap, but the labour is really going to hurt. I had the same thing happen on my 1991 Tercel and the labour was 4.5 hours. Any ideas on how to do this repair economically?

Thanks!

dz63

[Deadly Sushi]

Same thing happened to me!!!!

OK...... the Stealership will charge about $75 for the whole piece. Get it if you can afford it! Its worth it!

If NOT...... do NOT replace bits and pieces of one line. REPLACE THE WHOLE LINE! I tried with one area.... then guess what?! Another leak on the same line later that day. I replaced THAT section.... then ANOTHER leak on the same line.
Replace the whole line!

BTW I didnt not have to drop the tank. It took 35 minuites to replace the thing. And you are going to get fluid all over Im guessing so prepare!

[500KCamry]

Originally Posted by dz63

Hi Guys - One of the steel brake lines going to the rear drum brakes on my 1996 2.2L Camry has rotted out and brake fluid is spraying everywhere when brake pedal is applied. I took off the plastic guard and there are five lines going to the rear. All of them are in pretty rough shape but only one is currently dripping. I have several questions:

1) Why are there five lines? One for RR brake. One for LR brake. One for fuel. How about the other two?

That sucks.

I'm not sure how all the lines are routed - the fuel system definetly has two, maybe three lines - fuel supply, fuel return and (i'm guessing) one for venting vapor to a forward canister?

[dz63]

Originally Posted by Deadly Sushi

Same thing happened to me!!!!

OK...... the Stealership will charge about $75 for the whole piece. Get it if you can afford it! Its worth it!

If NOT...... do NOT replace bits and pieces of one line. REPLACE THE WHOLE LINE! I tried with one area.... then guess what?! Another leak on the same line later that day. I replaced THAT section.... then ANOTHER leak on the same line.
Replace the whole line!

BTW I didnt not have to drop the tank. It took 35 minuites to replace the thing. And you are going to get fluid all over Im guessing so prepare!

Deadly - Thanks for your response. I see you are in the Chicago area, so I know that you are familiar with winter road salt! Ony 35 minutes to replace the whole thing - that sounds very encouraging. Do you remember which side you replaced or did you do both? Did you replace in on the driveway or did you have access to a hoist? What type of connections are on both ends? Were the connections rusted solid?

Sorry for all of the questions. I have not yet replaced a brake line on any of my vehicles, but I am willing to give this a try. I would be very grateful for any additional advice or tips that you can provide.

dz63

[dz63]

Originally Posted by 500KCamry

That sucks.

I'm not sure how all the lines are routed - the fuel system definetly has two, maybe three lines - fuel supply, fuel return and (i'm guessing) one for venting vapor to a forward canister?

500K - Thanks for your response. I don't know too much about the fuel system. So, there is a fuel supply and a fuel return line and maybe a vent line too? That would account for all 5 lines. Have you ever replaced any of these lines? Mine are in pretty rough shape - that might be the next thing to go.

On my new 2008 Corolla, I have already taken it in for Krown oil spray and plan to do it each year. I think this will eliminate the rotting lines.

[SamKT]

Fuel and EVAP should be much larger in diameter.

You're going to be under the car, so replace the entire segment instead of trying to do patch work. Patch work done incorrectly is more dangerous. Local parts stores have tools to lend (some places free).

Originally Posted by dz63

1) Why are there five lines? One for RR brake. One for LR brake. One for fuel. How about the other two?

2) Does the entire steel line have to be replaced from front to back, or can just the rotted out section be replaced?

3) It looks like the brake line might be routed up above the gas tank. Does the gas tank need to be dropped to replace the brake lines?

4) Anybody ever done this your driveway? It looks like a miserable job without a hoist. I am thinking about caving in and getting the car towed to a local independent mechanic for this repair. Your thoughts?

5) The steel line will be cheap, but the labour is really going to hurt. I had the same thing happen on my 1991 Tercel and the labour was 4.5 hours. Any ideas on how to do this repair economically?

Thanks!

dz63

[Deadly Sushi]

Originally Posted by dz63

Deadly - Thanks for your response. I see you are in the Chicago area, so I know that you are familiar with winter road salt! Ony 35 minutes to replace the whole thing - that sounds very encouraging. Do you remember which side you replaced or did you do both? Did you replace in on the driveway or did you have access to a hoist? What type of connections are on both ends? Were the connections rusted solid?

Sorry for all of the questions. I have not yet replaced a brake line on any of my vehicles, but I am willing to give this a try. I would be very grateful for any additional advice or tips that you can provide.

dz63

I jacked up the car in a parking lot and the connections were pretty rusted. Had to spray that penetrating crap on there and wait 15 minutes and then spray some more and wait another 10 and then it moved. Not sure what connection it was. All I know is it fit.