1997 Crown Vic rear brake lines - Ford Forums

shaneamber · 05-06-2008, 11:59

Help!! The brake lines running to the rear calipers have rubbed through each other. This leak is on the D/S just behid the L/F wheel.
There was a recall for police and fleet cars, but they won't extend it to the consumer level.
The fraud dealer wants $1100 in parts,plus $93 per hour labor to replace the lines.
I'm an retired auto mechanic(35 years swinging wrenchs) and feel I could do this myself a lot cheaper.
Can the factory brake lines be cut and flared so I just have to replace the front section? or do I need to replace everything front to rear?
BTW, Fraud.... er.. FORD refuses to do ANYTHING at all. Not even a small parts discount.

shaneamber · 05-06-2008, 13:59

Ford just called, $2200 plus tax. The brake lines are only advailable in a "bundle" that costs $1600 and 2 weeks to get! They will install only the 2 steel lines to the rear for 4 hours labor @ $93 per hour.
HELP!!!!!!!
Is there somewhere to buy aftermarket SS flex lines( or ANY other type of performance line?
Thanks for any help,
Shane

thefonz · 05-06-2008, 16:13

I think you would have trouble flaring the steel lines yourself. On my ranger, I just put in a couple of sections from the parts house, a few bends and you are good to go.

shaneamber · 05-10-2008, 11:02

I found a shop (Tubes & Hoses) who would make duplicates of the steel lines in one day. Just bring them the old lines and they use them as a template.
Well, I picked up the car this morning, and the pedal was very soft and low. I decided to drive it home and bring it back next week for a bleeding.
I looked at the repair and they cut out the bad lines(about a foot) and used compression fittings to crib in new sections.
I could have done that myself in 20 minutes or less and they charged me 4 hours labor plus 86 for the brake flush.
I don't want compression fittings on my brake lines. In NY I know that's against the law and I believe it's not allowed on a Federal level.
Is it legal to use compression fittings on brake lines?
Does anyone know?
Shane

shaneamber · 05-15-2008, 13:17

UPDATE! The dealer made the repair with a flaring tool. This should have been done from the start.
I contacted the NHTSA and they told me that it is ILLEGAL to use compression fittings on ANY hydraulic brake line. They are OK on air brakes, because if they fail,the air brakes apply with no pressure.
Thanks Fonz for replying, it's a shame no one else would.
Shane

thefonz · 05-15-2008, 13:53

Glad to hear you are up and running again. I definately would not have trusted compression fittings either.