[clydesdale]

I called FORD to get a new brake line and apparently the line is not a serviceable part. It sounds like you have to bend a new line. Then I also hear that you can get them on ebay, pre-bent. How is everyone handling replacing the section of brake line that is in the frame rail that goes from the front to the back? Thanks.

 

[Steve83]

I've never had one rust out, but I rinse the underside every time I get it muddy.

If you don't want to bend one yourself (which is pretty easy), buy a prebent one from whoever will sell you one. But it will probably still take some bending to make it fit.

 

[Kilo_G]

Quality line

Most people in New England experiance this. I assume the place where the line popped that you are talking about is between the frame and fuel tank, which is usually where it happens. If you get under there and look, most likely that area will be filled with pine needles, leaves or mouse house gatherings. All of those things are great at retaining moisture and salt and those are good at rotting brake lines.

Get yourself some GOOD brake line. I bought a roll of line that is a copper/stainless steel alloy. When you snake it through that section between the tank and frame make sure to put a healthy amount of electrical tape on the end of the line so no crap gets in it. Also, before you snake the new line there make sure to blow out that area as best as you can with shop air. I spliced my line back to original line that is sort of on top of the frame in the front drivers side wheel well. Make sure to spray some rustoleum over the coupling/original line.

Do not use regular steel line or the line that has a plastic coating, otherwise you will be replacing or patching that line again in not too long.

 

[79jasper]

In line tube can make you one.
Just be warned, lately I've seen people have crappie experience with them.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

 

[ford_doctor]

I called FORD to get a new brake line and apparently the line is not a serviceable part. It sounds like you have to bend a new line. Then I also hear that you can get them on ebay, pre-bent. How is everyone handling replacing the section of brake line that is in the frame rail that goes from the front to the back? Thanks.

Common occurrence here in NJ and I have re-plumbed many brake system over the years. As mentioned use straight brake line stock from any auto parts dealer. They come in different lengths, pre-flared with the fittings but the length is never the "right size" and at some point you will likely need to cut and flare the tubing. You can also purchase brake line in a bulk roll. You WILL need a tubing cutter, a double flare kit and preferably a tubing bender but gentle bends can be done by hand if you are careful. Many Fords use bubble flares in certain places but I do not think you will run into that on your truck if my memory serves me right. - Good Luck!

 

[Steve83]

They come in different lengths, pre-flared with the fittings but the length is never the "right size" and at some point you will likely need to cut and flare the tubing.

A better option is to just "use up" the unneeded length in S-bends, leaving the original flares intact.

 

[ford_doctor]

A better option is to just "use up" the unneeded length in S-bends, leaving the original flares intact.

I once saw a truck where someone had literally wrapped the brake line around the left axle tube a number of times to make the connection using the similar thought process. Either way, not the best idea as the extra line can allow for vibration resulting in chafing or fatigue which can lead to a failure. I suppose as a temporary measure this might be acceptable if you intend to find a repair shop (once the vehicle is derivable again) that can make the brake line the correct length and flare it and then secure it...

 

[Maryland dieselnick]

Copper nickle bulk

 

[Steve83]

...wrapped the brake line around the left axle tube a number of times... ...the extra line can allow for vibration resulting in chafing...

Anything can be done wrong. That doesn't mean the idea is bad, or that it's difficult to do right. It's far easier to get a bad flare than a bad S-bend, so I still recommend the bends. And I'm not talking about using a line that's 3' longer than needed.

...or fatigue...

The bends will necessarily REDUCE the strain on the tubing. That's why Ford does it on some vehicles. Note the spiral near the center of this diagram: