How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Brake Line and How to Replace the Brake Line?

Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your vehicle. They allow you to stop when needed and help prevent accidents. One of the main components of the brake system is the brake lines – the tubes that carry brake fluid from your master cylinder to each brake. Over time, brake lines can corrode, crack, or develop leaks that need to be addressed. In this report, we will discuss brake lines in more detail and provide estimates on how much it costs to fix common brake line issues.

What is a Brake Line on a Car?

Brake lines are hollow tubes made of steel, copper, or plastic that carry pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder to each wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, the master cylinder forces brake fluid through the lines which transfer pressure to the calipers at each wheel. The calipers then squeeze the brake pads against the rotor to slow down or stop the vehicle. Cars typically have separate front and rear brake lines that branch off to service the individual wheels. The lines run alongside major suspension and frame components under the vehicle where they are protected yet remain flexible enough to bend with suspension movement.

How Many Brake Lines Are in a Car?

Most passenger cars have a total of four brake lines – two that service the front brakes and two for the rear. Some four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles may have additional brake lines to separately control rear braking. Trucks and larger commercial vehicles usually have more complex brake systems with additional lines. Regardless of the vehicle, it’s important to check the condition of all brake lines during routine maintenance as any one line failing can compromise the entire braking system.

How Do I Know if My Brake Line is Bad?

There are a few signs that can indicate a failing or damaged brake line:

• Fluid leaks: Look for puddles of brake fluid under the vehicle which suggests a brake line crack or hole has developed.
• Soft or squishy brake pedal: As pressure is lost due to a brake line leak, the pedal will not feel as firm when depressed.
• Extended stopping distance: If the line is partially blocked, braking power will be reduced which takes longer to stop.
• Brake warning light: Modern vehicles have brake fluid level sensors. If fluid is low from a large leak, the warning light will illuminate.
• Rust or corrosion: Over time, brake lines can corrode on the outside from road salt or weather. Rust spots or pits are a sign they need replacing.
• Kinks or damage: Physical abuse from road debris or improper suspension work can kink or dent brake lines, straining them.
• Bubbles in fluid reservoir: Small bubbles are normal as fluid expands with heat. Large bubbles mean air is entering the system from a line leak.

If any of these symptoms arise, it’s best to have a mechanic visually inspect all brake lines as soon as possible. Don’t continue driving if significant leakage is detected.

Can a Brake Line be Repaired?

In some cases, minor brake line damage can be repaired rather than a complete replacement of the line. Here are some repair options:

• Line patches: Small cracks or pinholes can sometimes be sealed with specialized patches from the inside of the line. Success depends on location.
• Flaring tool repair: If the metal line end is slightly damaged, a flaring tool can reform the shape to accept a new fitting connection.
• Hose repair: On flexible brake hoses, minor damage may be repairable by splicing in a new hose section. OEM repair kits exist.
• Rust removal: Surface rust spots can potentially be cleaned thoroughly and an antioxidant coating applied as a temporary repair.

However, extensive rust, kinks, large cracks or leaks generally require full replacement of the affected section. Over time or under heavy use, even repaired sections may crack again. Factors like location, length of repair, and vehicle use determine if a line can safely be mended versus full replacement.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Brake Line?

The cost to fix a brake line varies depending on the extent of the issue, but here are some common repairs and their typical price ranges:

Table 1 – Brake Line Repair Cost Estimates

Repair Type	Average Cost
Brake line leakage repair	$150 – $250
Rusted brake line repair	$200 – $400
Replacing brake hose	$150 – $300
Repairing corroded line	$250 – $450
Replacing one brake line	$350 – $600
Replacing all 4 lines	$800 – $1200

Now let’s break down the individual repair costs in more detail:

01. Brake Line Leakage Repairing Cost

For a small brake fluid leak from a minor line crack, the repair cost averages $150-$250. A mechanic will need to flush out the old fluid, locate and patch the leak, and refill the system. Labor usually takes 1-2 hours. Additional parts may include sealants or patch kits depending on the repair method.

02. Rusted Brake Line Repair Cost

Surface rust can often be cleaned off but more extensive corrosion penetrating the steel requires replacing the rusted section of the line. Replacing 6-12 inches of line usually costs $200-$400 due to additional labor to disconnect, cut out and re-install that section of line.

03. Cost of Replacing Brake Hose

The flexible brake hose that connects to each wheel is one of the most common sites of cracks or damage due to road impacts. Replacing a single rotten hose averages $150-$300 depending on its position. Labor is around 1 hour per hour.

04. Cost of Repairing Corroded Brake Line

Fixing deep internal corrosion throughout a brake line usually necessitates the replacement of the full line rather than patching. For a front or rear line, expect to pay $250-$450 per affected line. Mechanics generally charge 1-2 hours of labor per line replaced.

Overall, the cost depends greatly on the specific issues found, but minor repairs typically fall in the $150-$300 range while full line replacements are $350-$600 each due to additional new lines, labor, and refilling/bleeding the system. Now let’s discuss driving with brake line problems.

Can I Drive with a Broken Brake Line?

Driving with a known brake line issue is extremely dangerous and in many areas illegal due to the risk of a complete brake failure. With a compromised line, you may suddenly lose braking on that wheel or the entire system could fail without warning. That said, there are some general guidelines on driving short distances with brake line work pending:

• Very Minor Leaks: Tiny pinprick bubbles in the reservoir may allow driving short distances (5-10 miles max) at minimal speeds only to reach a repair shop. Drive with extreme caution.
• Partial Braking: If a rear line fails but the fronts still work, driving slowly and carefully for a few miles is possible with heavy braking and downshifting to assist. Towing is safer.
• Brake Fluid Over 50% Full: Driving a few miles at low speed may be okay if fluid is more than half full but check for other signs of impending failure. Towing is still recommended.
• Do Not Drive: For large leaks, soft pedals, complete line failure, or fluid levels below 50%, the vehicle is unsafe to drive and must be towed to protect others on the road.

In any case of suspected brake line issues, the fastest and safest option is to call a repair shop or roadside assistance rather than risking further damage or accidents by self-driving long distances unbraked. Your safety and that of others should be a top priority.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace All 4 Brake Lines?

While not a common repair, sometimes corrosion affects multiple brake lines at once requiring replacement of the entire brake line system. The average cost for replacing all four brake lines on most passenger cars is between $800-$1200 including parts and labor.

Here’s a typical brake line replacement job breakdown:

• Labor: 4-6 hours depending on vehicle access and technician experience. The labor rate averages $100-150/hour.
• Brake lines: OEM-quality steel brake lines are $50-80 each depending on the vehicle. A full kit may be cheaper.
• Fittings/hardware: Allow $10-20 for connectors, brackets, and mounting fittings.
• Fluid/bleeding: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid is $10-15 per refill with additional time to bleed all 4 circuits.
• Miscellaneous: Consumables like lubricants, and seals add another $10-20.

On the lower end, a basic compact car may have lines swapped in 4-5 hours for $800 total. More complex vehicles like large SUVs take closer to 6 hours and $1200. Reputable shops usually offer packages with parts/labor to simplify costs. Overall expect $200-$300 per line replaced on average.

How to Replace All 4 Brake Lines?

Replacing all brake lines is an advanced DIY repair requiring care, proper tools, and bleeding equipment. Here are the typical steps involved:

1. Loosen bleeder valves and drain brake fluid from all lines to remove pressure. Collect in appropriate waste containers.
2. Raise and support the vehicle safely on jack stands with wheels still on the ground. Place drain pans underneath for leaks.
3. Starting from the farthest point, disconnect brake line fittings from steel lines at calipers, distribution block, or master cylinder one at a time.
4. Compress retaining clips and remove lines from mounting points along the frame rail. Sometimes lines must be gently persuaded with wiggling.
5. At the front and rear assemblies, it’s best to remove whole sub-assemblies like calipers for easier access rather than cramped in-place work.
6. Use flare nut wrenches to remove steel lines from T-fittings or unions one by one, capping loose ends to prevent contamination.
7. Lubricate new brake line fittings before inserting them into place and hand-tightening flare nuts.
8. Reinstall calipers, and torque all connections, and fasteners properly per manual specs.
9. Refill with new DOT fluid and use the pressure or vacuum bleeding method to purge all air from the longest line outward.
10. Check for leaks, and pedal firmness, and test brake function before driving. It may take a few bleeding cycles to fully remove all air.

Replacement of all brake lines should only be attempted by advanced DIYers as one mistake can introduce air that takes significant time to remove safely. A shop overhaul is recommended for full piece of mind.

FAQs

How long does it take to fix a busted brake line?

The time it takes to repair a broken brake line depends on the specific issue and repair required. In general:

• Patching a small leak takes 1-2 hours.
• Replacing a short brake line section takes 2-4 hours.
• Replacing one longer front/rear brake line takes 3-5 hours.
• Overhauling all 4 lines takes a full-day repair of 6-8 hours.

Shops with experienced technicians can often complete basic repairs faster while more complex jobs involving multiple lines or components take the estimated longer times. Proper bleeding and testing also factor into total repair duration.

What causes a brake line to fail?

The main causes of brake line damage include:

• Corrosion from road salt, grime, and moisture over many years of exposure under the vehicle.
• Physical abrasion or cuts from road debris, poor shielding, or improper jacking/suspension work.
• Flex fatigue from normal brake pedal use which causes microscopic cracks over 50,000+ cycles.
• Accidental punctures from tools during maintenance.
• Overly rigid lines are unable to flex with suspension travel leading to kinks.
• Pre-existing conditions like poor manufacturing, and unused anti-corrosion treatments.

Old age and environmental factors are primary but proper line protection and avoiding physical impacts extends service life.

How can you tell if a brake line is broken?

Common signs a brake line may be cracked or leaking include:

• Fluid puddles or trails under the vehicle from an active leak.
• Bubbles are present in the master cylinder reservoir from air entering the system.
• Soft, low, or fading brake pedal pressure over time from fluid loss.
• Rust spots, kinks, and physical damage are visible on the stainless steel tubing.
• Brake warning light on the dash if the vehicle has fluid level sensors.

The sooner any issues are investigated, the better to prevent a total line failure while driving.

How do I know if my brake line is bad?

Some signs that a brake line may need attention or replacement include:

• Finding brake fluid leaks under the car from a visual inspection.
• noticing the brake pedal feels low, soft, or fades over several stops.
• hearing hissing noises when braking could indicate air in the lines.
• seeing extensive rust patches or physical damage on the outside of the steel lines.
• bubbles in the master cylinder fluid reservoir from air intrusion.
• The brake warning light on the dashboard comes on.

If any symptoms raise suspicion, have a mechanic inspect all lines to check for cracks, kinks, or other issues.

How often do brake lines fail?

On average, decent-quality brake lines on passenger cars typically last 10-15 years or 100,000-150,000 miles before requiring replacement due to corrosion and normal wear. However, there are many factors:

• Winter roadways expose lines to more salt and grime, shortening service life to 8-12 years.
• Poor underside protection from shields allows direct abrasion, potentially failing lines in 5-10 years.
• Heavy-use vehicles like large SUVs see lines degrade faster at 7-12 years due to increased pedal cycling.
• Well-maintained lines with regular cleaning can potentially last the vehicle’s lifetime in rare cases.

In general, having brake lines examined every 5-7 years or 50,000 miles by shops in corroded regions catches issues early. But signs of leakage or damage should always prompt quick inspection.

Can you repair the rusted brake line?

In some cases, surface rust on the outside of a brake line can be carefully cleaned off with a wire brush or rust remover. However, most experts do not recommend repairing rusted brake lines and instead advise full replacement for these reasons:

• Rust indicates steel wall thinning which grows worse over time, even with cleaning.
• Thin spots act as stress concentration points that can suddenly fail during braking.
• It’s difficult to fully assess internal rust damage without removing the line.
• Repair sealants may not sufficiently stop future weakened steel from cracking.
• Labor costs of thorough rust removal often exceed line replacement costs.

While minor surface rust cleaning is possible, any line with visible rust pits or significant corrosion needs replacement for maximum safety. The small added cost prevents future dangerous failures.

Your brake lines are a critical safety component in your vehicle. While most last many years with no issues, it’s important to monitor them for signs of wear like fluid leaks or abnormal pedal feel and address problems promptly. As this report outlined, common brake line repairs range from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to closer to a thousand or more for major jobs like multi-line overhauls. Taking a proactive approach to inspection and maintenance helps catch small problems before they become expensive or dangerous failures. With some TLC, your brake lines can provide many years of safe, reliable stops.

While repairs can cost from a few hundred dollars on the low end to over a thousand for replacing multiple lines, addressing problems early prevents further damage and unsafe driving conditions. With proper care and routine inspection, quality brake lines provide safety for the life of most vehicles. I hope this comprehensive overview helped explain the ins and outs of brake line maintenance and when a replacement may be needed.

How Bobby the Brake Mechanic Taught Me to Fix a Brake Line

My old truck had been making some concerning noises coming from the brake area for a while now. Every time I stepped on the pedal it felt a little softer and the truck seemed to take longer to come to a stop. I knew I couldn’t put off fixing it any longer, but as a novice when it came to auto repairs, I wasn’t sure where to start. That’s when I ran into Bobby, who works down at Earl’s Auto Repair.

“What seems to be the trouble with ‘er?” Bobby asked in his thick Southern drawl as he wiped his greasy hands on a rag. I explained my issues with the brakes and admitted I didn’t have much experience working on vehicles. That’s when Bobby offered to walk me through replacing the brake line myself. “Ain’t nothin’ to it,” he assured me. “By the end of the day, you’ll be fixin’ brakes like a pro!”

So began my brake line repair lesson with Bobby. Here’s everything I learned from start to finish.

Chock the wheels and engage the parking brake

The first thing Bobby told me was safety first. We chocked the wheels with some sturdy pieces of wood to make sure the truck couldn’t roll around while we were working underneath it. Bobby also pulled the parking brake lever up so there was no chance of it accidentally disengaging. “Ya always gotta make sure she ain’t gonna move on ya,” he said.

Loosen the bleeder screws

With the truck secured from rolling, Bobby’s next step was to loosen the bleeder screws on each brake caliper using an open-end wrench. This helps relieve any residual pressure left in the brake lines before we disconnect them. He showed me how to place some rags underneath each one to catch any brake fluid that drained out.

Catch brake fluid in drain pans

Speaking of brake fluid, Bobby pulled out a couple of drain pans and slid them under each brake caliper. “This stuff is nasty if it gets on ya. We don’t wanna make no mess now,” he said in that slow Southern drawl of his. Brake fluid is hydraulic and can irritate if it gets on your skin, so collecting it carefully was definitely the smart play.

Check fluid levels

Before starting any work under the truck, Bobby popped the hood to inspect the brake fluid reservoir. Even with our issues, it was still hovering around the “MAX” line. Bobby explained that topping it off before bleeding the lines later was always a good practice. That way we didn’t run the risk of running low while flushing out any air bubbles.

Safely support the vehicle

Once we were ready to get to work, Bobby asked me to pull the truck into the bay and park the brakes. Then he had me place a sturdy jack under the frame and use two jack stands on either side for full support. “This baby’s gotta be lifted safely before we crawl under. Don’t want it droppin’ on us!” he remarked. I was thankful for Bobby’s sharp focus on safety at every step.

Find the main brake line

With the truck now securely raised, we were able to slide under and get to work. Bobby showed me how to locate the thick steel main brake line running along the frame rail towards the rear brakes. “This big sucker is the one we’re replacin’ today,” he informed me. Bobby traced it back to where it connected to a rubber hose near the rear driver’s side wheel.

Disconnect the hard line from the hose fitting

Reaching up with two open-end wrenches, Bobby loosened the steel line from the hose fitting. “Always use two, one to hold the line steady and the other to break it free,” he instructed. Once it was off, he had me cap each end right away to protect the openings. “Don’t want no dirt gettin’ in while we work.”

Remove clips securing the line

From there, Bobby showed me how to remove the various wire clips along the frame rail that were holding the old line in place. “Just wiggle and pull, they usually come off easy,” he said. With the clips out of the way, Bobby was able to slowly maneuver the rusted steel line out of its channel running along the bottom of the truck.

Note routing of a new line

Before yanking out the old line completely, Bobby made sure to observe its exact positioning and routing. “Gotta put the new one back the same way so it all lines up right.” He had me make mental notes of where it twisted and turned so we could match it exactly later.

Lubricate fittings

Reaching into his toolbox, Bobby produced a can of copper-colored brake line lube. “This stuff helps the new lines slip right on without hassle,” he explained as he coated the fittings liberally. Bobby insisted on always using lube to install lines properly without damaging the sealing surfaces.

Hand-tighten new line onto fittings

Armed with our lubricated new line, Bobby had me hold it in position while he used the two wrenches to hand-tighten it onto the hose fitting first. “Snug it up good but not too tight, we’ll torque it later,” he instructed. Piece by piece we reinstalled the new line, slowly working it back into the frame channel in its proper place.

Slide line into position

As Bobby tightened each connection, I worked to snake the new line smoothly back into its channel, matching the exact route of the old one. With Bobby guiding my hands, before long we had the entire new rear line swapped out and sitting perfectly in place.

Reinstall retaining clips

The final step was crimping all the wiring clips back along the frame rail to hold the new line securely in its spot. Bobby showed me how to use a pair of pliers to bend each tab with a firm squeeze. “These babies ain’t goin’ nowhere now!” he declared proudly once we finished.

Repeat the process for all lines

From there we repeated the whole removal and installation steps wheel by wheel until all four brake lines underneath the truck had been swapped for brand new shiny versions. Bobby talked me through each one, making sure I understood the proper techniques and order of operations. Before long we had a full set of new lines running front to back.

Tighten fittings to spec

With the lines all hooked back up, Bobby’s next move was re-torquing each connection to the specified specifications using his trusty torque wrench. “Goober it down good to manufacturer recommendations,” he instructed. Bobby was big on doing things exactly right to avoid any potential problems down the road.

Refill brake fluid reservoir

Our line replacement work was done, and it was time to refill the brake system with fresh fluid. Bobby had me pop the hood again and slowly pour new DOT 3 brake fluid into the empty reservoir. “Careful not to overfill her now,” he cautioned. We wanted to leave plenty of room as we’d need to flush more fluid through during our bleeding process.

Attach clear tubing to bleeder screws

With fresh fluid onboard, Bobby turned his attention to the task of bleeding all the tiny air bubbles out of the new brake lines. He showed me how to attach a short length of clear vinyl tubing securely onto each bleeder screw, with the other end submerged in a labeled mason jar. “Now we’re in business!”

Pump brakes and open screws

Bobby had me pump the brake pedal firmly a few times while he slowly cracked open the first bleeder screw. Brake fluid began rushing through the tube into the waiting jar. “Keep on pumpin’ till it runs clear,” he instructed over the sound of gurgling fluid. When the bubbles vanished Bobby had me close up the screw and we moved on to the next wheel.

Repeat bleeding process

One by one we bled each corner of the truck, swapping tubes and jars as needed. Bobby talked me through the pumping rhythms to use and when to open and close the screws. Slowly but surely the old air dissolved away, leaving behind fresh new fluid coursing through our brand-new lines.

Check for leaks with the pedal

With all four corners fully bled, Bobby’s last step was a quick inspection. “Give ‘er a good stiff press,” he said, nodding at the pedal. I pumped it a few times firmly while Bobby peered below, checking our handy work for any signs of leaks. When he gave me the all-clear thumbs up, I knew we were in the home stretch!

Test brakes before driving

Bobby insisted I give the brakes a quick road test before leaving the shop. “Just tap the pedal easy from 5 miles out and make sure she stops good.” I rolled forward and stepped on the brakes, immediately noticing the improved pedal feel and stopping power. No more soft mushiness—these brakes had some mighty bite!

Check fluid and pedal after the test

Satisfied with the test, Bobby had me pop the hood one final time. He checked the fluid level was still good and asked how the pedal felt now. “Like brand new!” I confirmed with a smile. All of Bobby’s attention to detail had paid off in spades. These brakes stopped on a dime whereas before they were lucky to stop at all.

Put it all back together

The last step was reinstalling any suspension or caliper pieces we had removed to access the lines. Bobby watched as I lowered the truck back down and put everything neatly away in his toolbox. Then he insisted on following me out to “make sure she rides out okay.” His thoroughness was quite remarkable.

Dispose of old fluid properly

On our way to the dumpsters out back, Bobby reminded me that used brake fluid was considered hazardous waste. “Always dispose of the old stuff right to be ecological.” We deposited the various jars and cans of depleted fluid into the marked drum. Bobby was big into caring for the environment as well as vehicles.

Road test and inspect brakes

With one final wave, Bobby sent me on my way for an extended test drive to fully break in the new braking system. He told me to stomp on the pedal hard a few times to ensure everything was bedded in properly. Back at the shop a little while later, Bobby gave the truck another thorough inspection and declared it fit as a fiddle. Mission well and truly accomplished!

lifelong maintenance tips

Before I left for good, Bobby shared some ongoing care tips to keep my brakes in tip-top shape. Everything from inspecting lines for rust every oil change to only using DOT-approved fluids. He even showed me proper brake bleed intervals and signs to watch out for in the future. It was a master class in maintenance I’d remember for life.

Forever grateful for Bobby’s guidance

I couldn’t thank Bobby enough for taking the time to walk me through my first-ever brake job step-by-step. Thanks to his expert guidance, I now feel confident not just changing my lines but servicing other brake components as needed. And my trusty old truck’s stopping power has never been better. Bobby the Brake Expert, you’re a lifesaver!