Hello, new to Dodge and this forum. I recently purchased a 2001 ram 1500 sport. I was heading down a hill the other day when all of the sudden I had no brakes. My abs and brake lights both came on. I kicked the e brake and hit a snow bank just stopping before going over a bit of a drop off. Took a look under the truck after I got my heart to slow down. I found brake fluid all over around the fuel tank. Found a rubber line that had finally rubbed through from a bracket that holds both the rear lines off the frame. The line that is broken runs from a cable to the drivers side rear brakes. I have been trying to get a new line from the local auto stores and have been given the wrong one now 3 times. I would like to try and fix it myself but i am getting frustrated. Im not sure if there is a better name or way to describe this line? I'm getting tired of dealing with these parts places but I hate to have sombody else fix it. This is not a picture from my truck but I found it online here. Looks just like the mess I have under my truck. So I have three questions. Is there a better way of describing this part? How does my e brake still work when the cable runs to the line that is leaking? Is it a pain in the a$$ to fix?

 

that there is a picture of the e-brake cable. that could break but I don't think it did if your e-brake is still working. if you got lights on and brake fluid flowing out it is probably your rear metal brake line above the gas tank that has rusted through. ( common ) drop fuel tank and fix with section of line and compression fittings at least to get you back on the road, proper fix would be to replace entire line with oem and inspect all other hard lines.

 

The line runs behind the fuel tank in the frame rail and crud collects in there and the result is rusting and bursting.
The e-brake is mechanical so it still will work.
My 96 did the same thing.
I got straight pieces of brake line and some unions at A-zone, ran it from the T fitting behind the left front wheel on top of the frame to the fitting on the rear axle.
Covered all places the new line could rub against anything with vacuum hose and used heavy wire ties to secure it.
Had make a few slight bends in it, didn't require a tubing bender, just my hands.
About $45.00 altogether.

 

You better check the front lines too, because you should have still had front brakes.

 

When mine busted I had very little front brakes. Had to pump them. No leaks on front either.

 

definately replace the rear brake line above the tank and yes agree a compression fitting will due for a temporary fix. you definately wanna use a flare fitting and new line is the best way. i was at my shop lastnight doing 4 wheel brakes im tired of burning through brakes so i think im gonna do the rear disc conversion has anyone done this? and what was the outcome?