Brake Line Repair: How to Repair a Leaking Brake Line

In case of a leak, you must make it a priority to undertake brake line repair. If you live near coastal areas, the salt in the air leads to corrosion of exposed metallic parts like the brake line, resulting in leaks. One way to avoid it is to spray fresh water on these parts every day. However, still if the break line leaks, you can follow the steps below to repair it.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Raise the car on a jack so that there is a proper support. Look for leaks in the master cylinder and rear. Make sure you assess the rubber brake line that connects the frame and rear axle, and then proceed to the splitter on the axle. If it’s leaking beyond repair, replace it.

Step 2: Purchase Break Line

Measure the area that has to be replaced. Cut and take it out with the help of hack saw. If the entire line needs to be changed, then you need to dip the connecting ends in rust penetrant to make it easier to open. Cut a piece from the damaged line to be shown as a sample in the store. This will help in getting the correct size. Get two compressions fittings for each area that needs to be changed.

Step 3: Replacement

Fix the compression fittings to the area of the brake line that needs to be replaced. Remove the caps from compression fittings without dropping the ferrule. Fix the cap at the brake line end and follow the same with the ferrule. Fix the center part of the compression fitting to the end of the brake line. Use one hand to apply pressure on the center section towards the brake line and simultaneously fix the cap tightly. Use the open end wrench to hold the center area in place and screw the cap tight with the wrench.

Perform the procedure on the other side. If any line or hose has to be repaired completely for a leak, make use of line wrenches and vise grips to take them off.

Step 4: Bleed Brake Fluid

Make sure all air from the brake line is sucked out. Carefully loosen the brake bleeder of the right rear. Place the drip pan below the bleeder. Open it until you see a constant drip from the bleeder. Tighten the screw of the bleeder. Follow the same procedure for the left rear brake, right front and left front.

Step 5: Refill the Cylinder

Start the engine and press the brake pedal. A short pause of few seconds should be taken when the pedal is fully pressed. Fill the master cylinder with brake fluid until you feel firmness while pressing the pedal. Shut down the engine look for any more leaks.