How to Repair the Rear Brake Line in a 1989 Ford Tempo

A brake line with kinks or holes in it on the Ford Tempo may render the brakes ineffective when you are driving. It is important that you not only keep the brakes themselves in good working order, but the brake lines as well. Inspect them at least as often as you change the brake pads and shoes on your Tempo. Check for cracks, holes and kinks and make sure they are not leaking. You need to replace the brake lines if you find a problem, since any "repair" that is made to a brake line can only be treated as temporary.

Instructions

1

Place the wheel chocks in front of the Tempo front tires. Lift the rear of the car on the side that you need to work on using the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the Ford near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Loosen the lug nuts with the lug wrench and remove the wheel from the Tempo.

2

Open the engine compartment and drain the fluid from the master cylinder using the turkey baster. Place the fluid in the drain pan for recycling. Under the car, remove the affected brake line by loosening the fittings with a wrench. Allow the fluid to drain into the pan from the line. Remove the brake line from any clips that are holding it and take it out from under the car.

3

Place the new brake line under the car and snap it into the clips. Connect the ends to the fittings and tighten them with a wrench. Install the wheel on the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the Tempo. Lower the car to the ground. Refill the master cylinder with fresh brake fluid.

4

Bleed the air out of the brake lines by having a helper to pump and hold the brakes while you open the bleeder valve with a wrench to expel the air from the lines. Continue this procedure until the air is out of the lines. Add brake fluid as necessary during the process.