Can't find right brake hose - fixed

[fourwheeler]

I recently replaced all 4 brake hoses on my 98 XLS and had difficulty locating the correct hose for my 98 XLS. I wanted to report my solution to spare anyone else the difficulty I encountered.

The problem hose was on the left front. I searched 3 different parts suppliers looking for the correct hose, but all 3 suppliers didn't have a hose which matched my original one. It appears there is a problem with the direction the mounting bracket is installed on the hose. The photographs of the suppliers websites are correct in depicting the mounting bracket with the tulip pointing away from the caliper, yet when I saw the hoses in person, the tulips were pointing towards the caliper. This shortens the hose just enough so there is not enough length to the hose to mount it onto the caliper, and secure the hose into the strut mounting bracket.

I solved the problem by asking for a brake hose for a 95 Avalon which had the correct fittings and length, and had the mounting bracket pointing the right way. It installed without a hitch. It was odd this was only encountered on the LF hose, the three other hoses were manufactured correctly. FYI.

[bob2]

interesting - i received a right rear hose that is too long. i'm using it but i had to bend some stuff, to keep it from rubbing.

WARNING - if you replace brake hoses check them in a week, then two, then a month, to make absolutely sure they are not rubbing on anything. if they are, brake failure is the certain result!