Do I need new brake lines?

klicker

klicker

Senior Member
I've finished replacing wheel cylinders, shoes, etc. Upon further inspection of the old cylinders, I discovered this mess. The question I have is, should I replace the brake lines and hoses? 20170413_154821.jpg
 
Never is a bad thing if never replaced.
That way you'll know what condition your brake condition is in.... man :)
 
That almost looks like that cylinder was full of that yuk from the beginning. Pull that cylinder apart and post pics of what you find. That stuff would have had to go past the rubber cups and the piston to get to where we are seeing it. DD
 
if you used dot 5 you would not have had that problem. change the rubber horses inspect the steel lines for rust & stone kinks if present replace them. rebuild master cylinder or replace. flush the lines & then use dot 5.if you use reg brake fluid & the car sits for a long time you will be doing the same thing again.reg brake fluid azorbs mosture that is why the cylinders look like that
 
I always buy new lines (and hoses) at my local napa store. They are incredibly cheap insurance and have a black coating that prevents rust. The tubing radius bender they sell is also a good deal. The safety of 'new steel from pedal to wheel' is why I know I will stop. Not to mention that when I attempt the double brake line flare it never looks as good as the six dollar 'store bought' job from napa.
 
Nicopper. But buy the good stuff from Fedhill. Use the originals as patterns and its a piece of cake with the new style press type flaring tool
 
That crudded up wheel cylinder is not an unusual situation in cases where the system was never bled. By itself, it does not indicate that the steel lines and/or rubber hoses need to be replaced. However, replacing all the rubber lines is a good idea in any brake system overhaul, especially when the age of the existing ones is unknown.
 
Looks like more work.... I've made up brake lines on two complete cars before, but body off builds. was hoping I could get a pass. I'll try to get the cylinder apart and see what's inside. thanks for the advice
 
Blow out the brake lines and see what comes out. The lines are steel and that cylinder is cast iron so that may be part of the reason for more advanced corrosion.
 
If you're starting fresh with new cyls , etc..., do the lines. Cheap insurance plus you're starting with all new components.
 
+2 on the copper/nickel! Even with my Chinese flaring kit, I got nice flares easily and it bends so much more easily than steel. And, you can "adjust" your bend easily by hand. I just made up a 3/8" fuel line with copper nickel and I was able to bend it with a KD pliers type bender.
 
You'll be glad you did.. Friend of mine specialises in early jeeps says he's fixed so many having to replace the ' new' wheel cylinders because clients put them on and of course don't change those old lines, costs them twice..
Your going to miss the fun of making your own lines : )
 
Hi All,
I recommend replacing all the metal brake pipes. Remember brake fluid is hydroscopic and absorbs moisture. The brake pipes are like a fuel tank, they rust from the inside out and although they look good from outside, the truth is they may be ready to fail on you.
I had a terraplane where all the pipes looked good until an emergency stop burst a metal pipe. I now replace all pipes on cars over 25 years old as a safety concern.
Viv.
 
I had a few brake lines rott out on newer vehicles thankfully in a parking lot(97 Forrd E350) and a long driveway(2000 Ford 150) NO ACCIDENTS! Makes you appreciate mechanical brakes when it happens :-)).
Better brake lines are Teflon coated but only come on more expensive cars I'm told. So now I coat all my brake lines with bees wax. In my older classic cars I put in silicon brake fluid after a complete overhaul of the brakes.i have been driving some 30 yrs. without any problems. I am amazed of the condition of the pedal and clarity of the fluid. I know silicon should not be used with road racing but as far as not absorbing moisture its my preference for longevity.
 
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