Brake Line Woes

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:31 pm

So here I am staring at a $30 brake line. My lifted Liberty has blown a brake line. This is not good. It happened on a steep ice covered hill. Luckily I still had rear braking power to slow down. The rears DO NOT have enough power to slow down without locking the wheels, when that happens the Jeep slides sideways (think accident waiting to happen. I limped it home and invesitigated. Turns out the line was pinched between the upper A-arm and the coil spring causing the rupture. I urge everyone in the meantime who has a lift to check their lines to see in they may be pinched.

I bought a new MOPAR line as temporary solution (got a trail ride in 2 days). Is there a stainless steel replacement available so I don't have to worry about a repeat?

If anyone has done this repair-insight would be helpful as this is a MUCH different style then I have done. I know I can figure it out-but suggestions will speed things up.

MikeD0106 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 18, 2006 7:15 pm

Whoa!!! At least you didn't get hurt or have any other damage.

I have found some universal kits here...

http://www.truckperformance.com

That's the only suggestion I have.

SD-KJ · **Posted:** Wed Jan 18, 2006 7:25 pm

I dont know how the fittings are or anything but on my brothers cj we just took straight pieces of brake lines and bent them to fit. You could go to an auto store and get some generic line that fits the fittings of the kj (if they have it?) and bend one to match the stock mopar one...? We had to do this for almost all of the lines as everything was rusted out.
THe only other thing i would say you could try is to insolate the rubber line with something before you put it back on. It may last longer...

-NIck

PS glad your safe i bet that was not the most pleasant thing to ride through...

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Wed Jan 18, 2006 7:38 pm

Wow, that would of been very scary. So i guess it cut both the front brakes out? Good thing you didnt pump it or you would of ran out of brake fluid.

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:52 am

Ok folks. It's done. It was different to say the least. I will post pics when I get my camera to work. I only lost a front RUBBER hose not the steel line. This is not a universal part.

Pumping it would have only drained the fluid out of the front brake system. I can't remember what year the Fed's mandated it to be split (mid sixties maybe?). So I could only loose front brakes.

The install was fairly straight forward and easy (took 30 minutes including removing the tire). The bolt sizes are 10 mm and 14 mm and you will need a 12 mm flare wrench (an open end 12 mm will work but I advise against using it). First remove either the air box or battery (depending on which hose it is). Then loosen the steel line going into the junction block for the hose with the flare wrench. Then unbolt it at the caliper using the 14 mm. Then unbolt it at the uni-body with the 10 mm. Bleed the brakes and you're set. DO NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT BLEEDING THE BRAKES!!!!

Guyute1210 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:57 pm

This maybe a dumb question, but what is a Flare Wrench?

kickit_in4wheel · **Posted:** Thu Jan 19, 2006 1:44 pm

Quote:

This maybe a dumb question, but what is a Flare Wrench?

Well, a "flair' wrench would be a wrench posessing a great style or elegance. haha, no, flare wrenches are a necessity when working with the delicate fittings in automotive hydraulic & fuel injection systems. Because of the line feeds, use of a six point socket is difficult, if not impossible. A flare wrench is generally the only way to loosen these fittings without rounding them. Google it and you'll see a picture.

Rick

Jeepin Al · **Posted:** Thu Jan 19, 2006 2:03 pm

I should have a SS braided brake hose for the KJ buy the beginning of next month. I will be able to get them for both lifted and stock KJ's. The brake lines on the KJ is completely different set up than the other Jeeps. The SS lines have been in "engineering" now for over two months. The manufacturer I am using had to custom machine the ends. we could have purchased a bunch of the MOPAR hoses and used their ends, but this would have added about $90 bucks to the overall cost. The set, front and rear should be under $150. This is in line with the TJ hose cost.

I will keep you informed. This is a Jeepin By Al product only, at least for a while!

Al

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Thu Jan 19, 2006 2:27 pm

You have my attention Al, I don't ever want to have this happen and I would like others to learn from what happened to me. I made it out safe and sound but it would be easy to panic and have a bad wreck. So please Al, keep me informed. When I get the time and the product is available I will definetly order a set. Thanks again.

VTNomad · **Posted:** Thu Jan 19, 2006 4:31 pm

I'll take a set Al. I'm probably not going to lift my Jeep anytime soon, but I would like to eventually. Would it be possible/safe to put a set of lifted lines on a stock KJ, instead of having to buy another set when I lift?

I've used SS hoses on my mountain bike for years, I assume they work they same on Jeeps, the only issue I can think of would be routing the increased length? How much longer are we talking?

Jeepin Al · **Posted:** Thu Jan 19, 2006 5:16 pm

The SS hoses can be made in any lenght. I asked the manufacturer for 3 inches in extra length, and he came back to me and said once the ends have been designed and made, the hoses could be cut to any size.
For a standard 2.5 inch lift I would add about 1.5 to 2 inches to the hose.

Al

Brake Line Woes

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