I searched the forum and did not see much posted about replacing the rear brake lines. What I thought was a bad master cylinder (it still may be? I posted about it on 2/10) turned into a leak in the brake line just above the right swing arm. It looks like it just split open. Has anyone had this happen? Has anyone replaced the brake line from the wheel well to the center of the car? Could I replace it with a braided stainless line instead of a pre-bent line?
Thanks for any advice.

 

Well I guess I am not sure?

I have a STR and they all came with factory SS braided brake lines. The last time we had a discussion on this someone posted that the normal S Types also came with SS braided lines.

Have you looked to see if it's rubber or SS braided hose?
Or is this a hard line that connects to the flexible brake line?

No it's exremily rare and you are the first person I have ever heard with this problem. Has any work been done in that area?
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Big +1 on rarity of these lines failing. My lines don't even have any hints of rust on them for being 14 years old and over 220K miles and I live in the Northeast...

 

It's a hard line. One goes from the caliper to a connector at the top of the wheel well. Then from there it snakes above and around the suspension, with many bends, then through the center tunnel to another connector block near the center of the car. I haven't had a good look at it yet, but it feels like a split. I will take it off in the morning. The line looks and feels solid. It started with the brake pedal going to the floor. Thought it was the master cylinder. There was no loss of brake fluid, and I pumped it quite a few times. Went to move the car a few days later and there was a puddle of brake fluid behind the right rear wheel. Put it on jack stands, and found the leak. It looks like it would be a much easier job if I could use flexible lines.

 

Brake lines aren't supplied pre-bent. Replacing brake lines is a regular workshop technique well within the capabilities of the DIY enthusiast.

Brake pipe is sold in rolls and simply cut to the required length.

The connectors are slid onto the pipe and then ends of the line 'flared'. Finally the pipe is bent to the required shape.

Only two two tools are needed, both of which can normally be hired. A pipe flaring kit (shown on the left) and a pipe bender (on the right):



If you are already confident about bleeding brakes and feel that making up new lines is also within your capabilities, post back and I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice on exactly how to do it.

Graham

 

There is a brake line "cluster" shown in the Jaguar EPC,part no XR829216 which includes pre-formed brake line from the centre of the car to the flex hoses,which fit to the calipers. I have no idea of availability or price.

 

If you DIY, I suggest kunifer (aka cunifer) as it's so durable.

BTW, The simple kits for flaring are not suitable for steel piping.

My car has some small areas of brake pipe (scattered around the car) trying to go bad but which as soon as I found each I cleaned it and put anti-corrosion paint on.

 

I had the exact same issue today. The braided hose portion was hemorrhaging fluid. Replacing myself for a parts cost of $172.00...(outrageous)