Has anyone here replaced their brake lines?

[bxturbo]

I was flushing my brakes on my e53 '05 X5 3.0 and the line going to the rear drivers side wheel was apparently rusted as it started leaking from just behind the driver's door. There's a big plastic panel covering the brake lines so I can't actually see the exact condition until I take it off. There are a few threads on this forum describing the issue but I can't find anything on someone actually fixing this themselves.

I'd like to replace the entire line as opposed to splicing it. But if i can work with an existing union i can do a bubble flare and just replace one section. Does anyone have more info on the schematics of the rear brake lines? I was told I have to drop the rear subframe to gain access to it, but does each rear wheel have its own line? Or is it one main line going to the rear which then splits in 2 to distribute the fluid to each rear wheel? Realoem has a diagram but it's not very clear. Any input from anyone that's dealt with this issue would be very helpful. I'm very disappointed with the quality of the brake lines and expected more from BMW. My '95 e34 doesn't have any issue with rusted brake lines and it's 20 years old.

[jdstrickland]

Realoem is not confusing at all. There are clearly two different lines to the rear,

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0i Rear brake pipe DSC

[JCL]

Here is one thread. It links to another.

The issue isn't the brake lines themselves, it is the crud collecting under the shield, salt on the roads, and lack of underbody cleaning. It happens.


http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...rake-pipe.html

[bxturbo]

Thanks for the input fellas. Will post with updates. JCL - I'm inclined to believe it's actually the shied that's causing this. Instead of protecting the lines it collects all the crud. As I said, my '95 has the lines exposed and they don't look too bad after 20 years

[upallnight]

If you do decide to splice a new line into the old line, don't use a compression fitting.

[davesx5]

I just repaired both lines a few weeks ago. Mine failed just about under the drivers seat. You need to first remove the running boards to gain access to the clips holding the plastic under body panel. The running boards and panels use screws and push in rivets. You will remove about 20 fasteners. The push in rivets appear to be one time only. You have to push the center of the rivet in to release the rivet. If you push the center in too far it falls out and will need to be replaced, I bought 8 new rivets. My lines rusted out just past the couplings in line with the fire wall. One of the couplings is a normal size the other is not. I replaced the odd coupling and about 3' of line on each side. There is allot of room once the panel is removed. The lines clip into brackets along with the fuel lines. You will need a bending tool to match the original routing. For me it was a simple job, but I have done brake lines before. Good luck.

[cn90]

This happens when people don't spray the clean with water in the Spring to get rid of winter salt.

1+ on not using compression fitting.

"Bubble flare" is the way to go. Local auto parts store should carry brake line.

[ants_oz]

I find it amazing that BMW use brake line material that corrodes on your spec vehicles. In Aus, it is a design rule that brake line material must be able to resist corrosion (most Aus spec vehicles use stainless fixed brake lines).

[JCL]

Originally Posted by ants_oz

I find it amazing that BMW use brake line material that corrodes on your spec vehicles. In Aus, it is a design rule that brake line material must be able to resist corrosion (most Aus spec vehicles use stainless fixed brake lines).

It is the same brake line material according to the parts book.

The problem isn't the brake line, as noted above. It is the local use of road salt due to icy conditions, which is then trapped by the underbody protection, that causes it. The solution is to use a spray clean underneath the vehicle.

I am guessing you don't use too much road salt in Australia.

[ants_oz]

No salt at all, even in the few places it snows.

Regardless of that, there are plenty of places where corrosion is a big problem, but never with brake lines.

Go figure.