Bent up brake line...

[Philbar71]

So, Long story short, I slid off the road in to a ditch on a rainy evening. I put a few small dents in the rear quarter pannel and cracked the rear bumper. The biggest issue is the brake line. Its the one that goes to the passenger side front tire coming from the ABS module thing. How hard is it to replace? Anybody ever done it them selves?

[robalero]

can you take a picture to be 100% sure what your talking about? just so we know as a fact instead of guessing. but like any brake line its not that hard if you have done them before

[JLw7123]

well if you have to replace your brake line go with the stainless steel brake line. I am also interested in some pictures. I have the stainless steel braided lines and I really like them.

[sleepyalero]

I have done almost full brake lines on a 92 ranger... If u dont wanna do stainless then buy a brake line tool to bend the lines and buy some brake lines... Its pretty easy just gotta figure out how you want to bend them, unless you can find them pre bent for the car.

[Philbar71]

Its a crappy cell pic, but you get the idea. I started moving it around and bending it back in shape but it broke at the connection. Is there any way to maybe re terminate the end on the nut that screws in to the rubber line?

[sleepyalero]

I think you gotta follow it all the way to where it leads and replace it. Maybe... Ive never looked under the rubber things to see what is in them.

[robalero]

follow the line to where it ends and replace it from there, if not your not getting the proper fluid to your brakes

[Philbar71]

I just straightened it out, cut off the bent and kinked section. then went to advance auto and got a brake line with the ends already flared and rented a flare tool and patched it together. So far its holding, no leaks.

[Lucalare]

That works but be careful about getting inspections done, I believe it's illegal to re-flare brake lines, but I could be thinking of something else.

[robalero]

your thinking of something esle, fuel lines is where thats not legal to do as if it ever leaks and your unaware and someone throws out a cigarette while stopped at a light or something you can just imagine the outcome

Generally, hard brake lines are tough the bend back into shape because the material is so thin.
I wouldn't mess with it; get the entire line replaced.

[a.graham52]

Originally Posted by robalero

your thinking of something esle, fuel lines is where thats not legal to do as if it ever leaks and your unaware and someone throws out a cigarette while stopped at a light or something you can just imagine the outcome

i dont think your right about that either. you could install a fuel filter and not tighten it enough... have a leak and someone could still drop a cig. however compression fittings on brake lines are illegal. regular unions are ok.

[a.graham52]

Originally Posted by mfuller

Generally, hard brake lines are tough the bend back into shape because the material is so thin.
I wouldn't mess with it; get the entire line replaced.

steel brake line is a pain in the ass because is so stiff. if you use the copper-alloy lines its truly night and day. you could make a pretzel and straighten it right back out.

[MMGT1]

#1. Dealer can supply you with a brake/fuel line "kit". Has all lines in one package, real nice and clean but your going to spend a few bucks. Well worth it imo.
#2. Delco supplier here has coated brake line now. Really nice stuff and wont corrode like normal line. Also is really easy to work with, bends easy and has the life of stainless!

I know you have fixed your problem already but might be good info for anyone looking into brake lines and were to come across this topic

[Philbar71]

Originally Posted by mfuller

Generally, hard brake lines are tough the bend back into shape because the material is so thin.
I wouldn't mess with it; get the entire line replaced.

these stock steel lines are no joke tho. They are a complete PITA cause they are so thick and hard.