How to Repair a Jetta's Brake Line

Brake repair is an important task and should be accomplished in a proper and safe manner. Do no cut any corners when it comes to repairing the brake system of any vehicle. Many auto parts stores sell brake lines that are coated with a special coating that prevents corrosion and rust. The coated line is the kind of replacement line that should be used in any repair. This is especially true if the vehicle is driven in a part of the country that uses corrosive salt to melt ice in the winter months.

Instructions

1

Place two blocks one on the front side of each front wheel, with the Jetta parked on a solid level surface.

2

Slide the floor jack under the center of the rear frame and jack up the rear of the car. Place two jack stands, one near each rear wheel under the car's frame and lower the car onto the jack stands.

3

Carry the jack to the front of the car. Place the jack under the center of the front frame and raise the car up level with the rear jack stands. Place two jack stands, one near each front wheel under the front frame.

4

Proceed under the car and locate the damaged brake line. It may require the brake pedal be pressed to locate any leaks.

5

Locate the two flare nuts, one on each end of the damaged brake line. The flare nuts look like a hollow bolt with a brake line through the center of them. Spray the line's flare nuts with penetrating oil and let the oil soak in. Use a tubing wrench to loosen the flare nuts of the damaged line and carefully remove the line.

6

Place the damaged line next to the new line and bend the new line to match the old one. Use the brake line bending tool for best results and to avoid kinking the line. If the brake line being replaced is a rubber flex line then no bending is required.

7

Insert the front of the newly bent line into the same place where the old line was removed, by threading the flare nut into the brake system and tighten. Have a helper push the brake pedal lightly until fluid comes out the rear end of the line. At which time, immediately Instruct the helper to hold the brake pedal completely still until the rear flare nut is threaded and tightened into the the brake system. This procedure forces air out of the system that may otherwise difficult to remove.

8

Jack up the front of the vehicle, remove the jack stands and place the front of the Jetta back onto the ground. Take the jack to the rear of the vehicle. Jack up the rear of the car, remove the jack stands and place the vehicle back on the ground.

9

Check and refill the brake fluid in the master cylinder if needed.