How to Fix Bent Brake Lines

When it comes to your brake lines, it is best to leave nothing to chance. When a brake line sustains damage, whether it is a hole or a kink in the line, the only safe thing to do is to change it for a new line. If you try to un-bend a brake line, it will usually just crack. Even if it doesn't, whatever you do to unbend the brake line is going to weaken it. It does not take very long to replace a brake line, and in the end, it is well worth the effort when it comes to safety.

Instructions

1

Drain the fluid from the master brake cylinder using the turkey baster. Put the fluid in the drain pan for recycling. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels or in front of the front wheels depending on the location of the bad brake line. Lift the automobile with the jack. Place a jack stand under the car near the jacking point and raise it to the frame.

2

Remove the wheel using the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts. Locate the bad brake line under the vehicle. Thoroughly clean the fittings on the brake line with the wire brush. The area must be completely clean before you remove the brake line to prevent contaminating the system. Loosen the fitting with a wrench and separate the brake line.

3

Place a drain pan under the fitting to catch any fluid that is still in the lines. Move to the other end of the brake line. Clean the fitting thoroughly with the wire brush. Loosen the fitting with the wrench and separate the brake lines. Place the drain pan under the separation to catch any remaining fluid.

4

Remove the brake lines from the retaining clips by pulling it out of them. Discard the brake line and put the new one in its place. Push the brake line into the retaining clips. Secure both fittings into the brake line system and tighten the fittings with a wrench. Place the wheel on the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

5

Remove the jack stand from under the vehicle. Lower the car to the ground. Fill the master cylinder with fresh brake fluid. Bleed the brake lines by having a helper to pump the brakes several times and then hold them while you open the bleeder valve on the wheels with a wrench to expel the air. Continue until the air is gone from the lines. You may need to add brake fluid several times throughout the process.