Brake hoses and lines — inspection and replacement Ford F150
These are important and vulnerable parts of the brake system and inspection should be complete. A light and mirror will be needed for a thorough check. If a hose exhibits any of the above defects, replace it with a new one.
Flexible hoses
2. If you’re replacing a front hose, loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Clean all dirt away from the ends of the hose.
3. To disconnect a front brake hose from the metal line, unscrew the steel brake line fitting with a flare-nut wrench. For front brake hoses, remove the brake hose brackets (see illustrations).
4. Disconnect the hose from the caliper, discarding the sealing washers.
5. Using new sealing washers, attach the new brake hose to the caliper. Tighten the banjo fitting bolt to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
6. To reattach a brake hose to the junction, route the line to its original position, then tighten the fitting nut securely.
7. Bleed the brake system (see Brake hydraulic system – bleeding).
Metal brake lines
8. To disconnect a metal brake line from any fitting, unscrew the metal tube nut with a flare nut.
9. When replacing brake lines, be sure to use the correct parts. Don’t use copper tubing for any brake system components. Purchase steel brake lines from a dealer parts department or auto parts store.
10. Prefabricated brake lines, with the tube ends already flared and fittings installed, are available at auto parts stores and dealer parts departments. These lines can be bent to the proper shapes using a tubing bender.
11. When installing the new line make sure it’s well supported in the brackets and has plenty of clearance between moving or hot components.
12. After installation, check the master cylinder fluid level and add fluid as necessary. Bleed the brake system as outlined in Brake hydraulic system – bleeding and test the brakes carefully before placing the vehicle into normal operation.