How to Replace the Front Steel Brake Line on a '98 Ford Contour

The brake lines on the Ford Contour are subject to many different types of damage because of their location, including crushing and corrosion, which leads to holes. In either case, the fluid cannot properly flow to the wheel cylinders and the brakes will not work. You need to replace a bad brake line immediately or you risk the loss of braking capacity in the car. It only takes a short time to change the lines and you can do the job yourself.

Instructions

1

Open the engine compartment and disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Set the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Contour. Lift the car on the side you need to work by using the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the Ford near the jacking point and raise it so the jack stand can be placed under the frame.

2

Loosen the lug nuts with the lug wrench and remove the wheel from the Contour. Clean off the brake line fitting by using the wire brush. Place a drain pan under the brake line and loosen the fitting with a wrench. Allow the brake fluid to drain in the pan and then move to the other end. Loosen the fitting on the other end and allow any fluid to drain into the pan.

3

Remove the brake line from retaining clips and out from under the Contour. Place the new brake line under the Ford and snap it into the clips. Connect the brake line and tighten the fittings on both ends. Install the wheel on the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the Ford. Lower the car to the ground.

4

Add fresh brake fluid to the master cylinder to bring it to the proper level. Bleed the brakes by having a helper to pump them several times and then hold down the pedal while you open the bleeder valve to expel the air. Continue this process until you expel all of the air from the brake lines. Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten the terminal nut with a wrench.