Rusted brake lines, anyone?

[DetroitMatt]

Based on the advice here, that's what I did. I cut out all the bad parts and spliced in new pipe. I got the factory bubble flared pipes and used that to join it in the front, and then did a traditional double flare on the two ends I connected towards the back.

I only hope that the sections of the pipe I didn't replace which were buried up in the back above the gas tank and rear suspension don't rupture. Those will be a real pain to get to.

So far so good though. No leaks. I just need to properly bleed the system. Th e pedal is still a little soft and I fear I may have to take it into a shop to have them put the ABS and DSC into "bleed mode" on their computer. I'm also getting a brake pressure sensor fault, but I hope that's related to the leak, as I just changed that a few months ago.

[epdarks]

Wasn't there some theory that the A/C condenser ends up dumping water on the brake lines which causes them to rust prematurely?

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by epdarks

Wasn't there some theory that the A/C condenser ends up dumping water on the brake lines which causes them to rust prematurely?

The A/C drain dumps on the front driveshaft spline.

[ProfessorX5]

Mine just broke today while compressing the calipers to put the new brake pads on... mech said I gotta come back tomorrow because he has to get some tool to bleed/calibrate the system...

[Quickid]

My wife was on a short road trip and the break fluid warning light came on. She picked up DOT 4 brake fluid and topped it up and got back on the road.

I took it to my mechanic as soon as I found out and sure enough, rusted break lines.

[puddinboo]

I just found out last week that my brake lines in that exact spot was leaking fluid, now I`m trying to fix them, but the dam rain here is slowing me down.

[cn90]

On a preventive note...

I just drilled a hole, this way I can spray water using a garden hose to clean brake pipe every Spring (around April-May every year) w/o removing the fat-ass cover.

- Bought the 3/4-inch Jeep rubber plug used to cover Jeep differential. As it turns out, although this is called 3/4", one needs to use a 7/8-inch drill bit, which I didn't have.
So I returned the rubber plug ($3 at local auto parts store).

- Instead I simply drilled a 3/4-inch hole as shown and left it open.

Then hose it every April-May or so. Or hose it every 3 months or whenever you like...

[puddinboo]

not a bad idea.
on a side note, splicing brakes is a pain the the you know what. I think I got er done but I will leave the cover off for a week or so and keep an eye on things.

[Ricky Bobby]

cn90, good call on drilling the hole, it actually may be better to leave that hole open since I think part of the problem is there isn't enough airflow with the "big ass cover" on there and the moist air/salt gets trapped.

If any of you guys are having to drop the cover to fix the brake lines, consider replacing the fuel filter as well just while its open.

[Brads2002]

Break fluid light had come on once, refilled and noticed a puddle under the drivers door. Mine are rusted in the exact spot. In the process of splicing new lines. Seems like a very odd location for a leak. They are well covered by the floor pans. The exposed lines look far better. Really surprised by this repair.