Brake line leaks

Tiny
TERRELL SUTTON
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 124,000 MILES
I have a leaking front brake line that I need to repair or replace. I have spongy brakes and can stop the car, but only when I pump the brakes. I have changed the brake master cylinder, but I noticed the brake line leaking at the front of the car above the wheel on the driver side near the frame work. I just need to know how to safely access these lines so that I can repair them.
Sunday, May 3rd, 2020 AT 12:52 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
The leak in the brake will cause the spongy feeling so we need to repair that first and foremost. I attached the process on how to replace the line but if the leak is in another place then we will need to replace that portion. However, once the issue is repaired the important thing is to bleed the brakes and make sure all the air is out of the system. If there is air in the system then we will still have a soft pedal so that is very important.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-bleed-or-flush-a-car-brake-system

Let me know if you have questions from this. Thanks
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Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 AT 5:28 PM
Tiny
TERRELL SUTTON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the illustration, but I am not referring to the brake hoe, but the brake hard lines that can rust.
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Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 AT 5:28 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. If it is in the front then I would remove the wheel and just fill the reservoir then have someone hold the brake pedal down while you look for the area of the leak. Depending on where it is, you can repair the line and not replace the entire thing. You will need to find union fittings. Check with your state because some say they are not allowed. However, if installed correctly they work just fine. Just make sure you go with the steel unions and not the copper as the steel will hold the pressure of the brake system. Copper is too soft and can leak again.

Otherwise when we find the leak, that entire line will need to be replaced. However, the best way to find it is as stated where you literally just look for the source of the dripping brake fluid.

Let me know if you have questions and we can go from there. Thanks
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Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 AT 5:28 PM
Tiny
TERRELL SUTTON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Okay, I think that I found the source of the leak, it looks like it is in the upper portion of the line closest to the abs module. I also wanted to know if the lines are built into the framework of the car?
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Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 AT 5:28 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
They are not built into the vehicle. They are designed to be changed out.

I attached a link to a website where you can purchase a preformed line.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/pontiac,2004,grand+prix,3.8l+v6,1429703,brake+&+wheel+hub,hydraulic+line,1820

I also attached the service manual that shows how to for the new line. Basically this way you just purchase a bulk line and then you bend it and flare the ends yourself. Clearly this is more difficult but much cheaper.
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Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 AT 5:28 PM

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