How to Replace the Rear Brake Line in a Saturn

If the brake line on a Saturn develops a kink or a hole, a replacement is required. If you try to straighten a kink in the line, it will simply break. Attempting to plug a hole risks the danger of the plugging material falling off or plugging the line completely. Changing a brake line does not take very long and you may complete the task in your driveway or garage.

Instructions

1

Place a set of wheel chocks in front of the front tires of the Saturn. Open the engine compartment and locate the master cylinder on the back firewall on the driver side of the car. Unsnap the lid and drain the brake fluid using the turkey baster. Place the fluid in the drain pan for recycling. Raise the rear end of the Saturn using a jack.

2

Place a jack stand under the Saturn near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Remove the wheel by loosening the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Crawl under the Saturn and locate the affected brake line. Clean the fittings thoroughly using a wire brush. They must be clean before you disconnect the fittings to prevent contaminating the brake lines.

3

Loosen the brake line fittings using a wrench. You may have to hold the connector with another wrench to keep it from turning when you loosen the fittings. Disconnect one side at a time so you can catch any remaining brake fluid in the drain pan. Unsnap the brake line from the retaining clips and pull it from under the Saturn.

4

Put the new brake line in place and snap it into the retaining clips. Connect the brake line fittings and tighten them with a wrench. Replace the wheel on the Saturn and tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the Saturn. Lower the car to the ground. Add fresh brake fluid to bring the master cylinder to the full mark.

5

Bleed the air out of the brake lines by having a helper pump and hold the brakes while you open the bleeder valve with a wrench to let the air out of the lines. Continue this procedure until all air is gone from the brake lines. You may have to add more brake fluid during the process.