99 Ranger Rear Brake Line Broken

[smythcounty]

I have a 99 ranger 4.0 and I have a leak on my rear brake line on the drivers side where it connects to a rubber line. I've been able to trace it back inside the frame rail and it goes in behind the gas tank and I cannot locate it past that. Does this line go all the way back to the master cylinder? I can't get it out of the clips its in and was going to just snake a new line all the way from the rear to the front. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[pjtoledo]

there is a union/fitting about under the drivers door. its possible to snake a new line in, if you have really small hands. it helps if the gas tank is loosened and shifted slightly.

 

[adsm08]

It's not hard to do it exactly how you proposed. I've done it a few times. It's best if you can cap the end of the line so nothing gets into it while snaking it up there.

 

[smythcounty]

So did you bypass the union and go all the way to the master cylinder?

 

[adsm08]

Depends on a few factors. If the section in front of the union is ok and I just want it fixed quick, I'll go in at the union. If the forward section is rough, or if I am making my own line from scratch and have a whole roll I'll just do the whole thing.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Aside from the union... that line still doesn't go all the way to the master. It would end at the ABS unit.

 

[adsm08]

Aside from the union... that line still doesn't go all the way to the master. It would end at the ABS unit.

True, on a 99 it would pass through the ABS unit. None of mine have ABS, so I don't usually worry about that on my own vehicles.

 

[smythcounty]

Aside from the union... that line still doesn't go all the way to the master. It would end at the ABS unit.

So where is the ABS unit generally located? I can trace it back but would like to have an idea where it is.
Thanks.

 

[Curious Hound]

I think it's usually on the frame rail. Keep following the line forward and you'll find it. If you get to the front bumper, you've gone too far.

 

[smythcounty]

Okay I found a union near the front of the drivers door on the frame rail. I can’t get the brackets off that holds the line that are behind the gas tank so I'm leaving the line and going to snake the new one through. I measured the length and am I am going to the parts store tomorrow to get one of the pre-made bendable lines. The end going into the union was different than the end going into the rubber hose in the rear, it has like a plunger and then the bolt. Anyways, I cut both ends off so hopefully they can match something up. Thanks for all the help.

 

[adsm08]

Okay I found a union near the front of the drivers door on the frame rail. I can’t get the brackets off that holds the line that are behind the gas tank so I'm leaving the line and going to snake the new one through. I measured the length and am I am going to the parts store tomorrow to get one of the pre-made bendable lines. The end going into the union was different than the end going into the rubber hose in the rear, it has like a plunger and then the bolt. Anyways, I cut both ends off so hopefully they can match something up. Thanks for all the help.

Without removing the tank it is often impossible to get the line out of it's retaining clips. It is more important that the line is attached to SOMETHING, than what it is actually attached to. I usually try to zip tie it to the fuel line or the wire harness, but not the old brake line, as contact with the corroded spots can cause the new one to rot out faster.