So my 01 Ram 1500 5.9 4x4 started losing brake fluid quickly and I could not find the leak. After replacing the front calipers, rear cylinders and 1 small metal brake line in the back I thought I was done. Once I started bleeding the passenger rear tire, I noticed I can't clear the lines of air(using the bottle with a clear hose submerged in brake fluid). That's when I noticed a leak coming from next to my gas tank...

The brake line is leaking at the only spot I can't reach, in the frame next to the gas tank! So after a lot of research, I figured its easier to just get brake line hose and flare the ends myself.

For anyone familiar in this scenario, do you have any advise on this replacement? - I have a few questions I'll list below The part number I am trying to replicate is 52009913AB.

What size brake line should I use - the dimension of the part no. mentioned above is hose is 109.2 x 6.2 x 4.2 inches - I understand the 109.2" measurement as that's it's length. But what are the other 2 dimensions?
What are the front and back connections that I will need? Or will the standard fitting for the size of pipe being used be suffice?
Should I pay 500 - 600 dollars for a mechanic to do it or pay less than 100 and do it myself?

Thank you!

 

It's been years since I replaced mine. You need a double flare tool & tubing bender. I left the old one in place. Cut the ends to reuse the fittings on the new brake line.

 

What I did was, measure the diameter of the line, then just go to the parts store, and get the longest line they had in the correct size. (worst case, the parts store guy can measure if for you, they have the cool toys after all.) Also, another flare nut the appropriate size, and a union. I cut the line off at the rear connection where it hits the soft line, put a piece of tape over one end of the new line, pushed it thru beside the gas tank, (as of course, that's where the leak was.....) and threaded the rear end of the line in where it goes. Went to the other end of the line, measured back on the original line about six inches, and cut it off there. (the line is secured in various places, some of which you just can't get to, so, I left it in place.) Cut the new line to just barely past the original line, (slide the flare nut back out of the way, leave it on the line, your gonna need it.) Flared the end of the new line. Put the other flare nut onto the original line, (pay attention to its orientation.... don't wanna do this more than once..... Don't ask me how I know that....) flare that end, then use the union to join them together. Bleed the brakes, yer done. Cost me less than 30 bucks, and about an hour of my time.....

 

@ HeyYou - This is extremely helpful thank you! Less than an hour of your time is impressive and all the more reason I'll do it myself!

 

HeyYou has the right solution. I had to replace my entire line because of rust.

 

Yep. Me too. Fortunately, it blew in my driveway, and all I needed to so was rake a little grass....

 

What I found was the fitting at the parts store is not long enough(threads). I had to reuse my old one. This is the fitting by the rear. I also had my front line burst also. Both times i was moving slow. Got to love the rust belt! Oh not to mention the front left brake line (flexible), The metal bracket that holds it rusted up so bad it collapsed the brake line. Restricting the flow and holding the brake on.

 

You can also purchase a coil of steel brake line (usually comes in 15' or 25' rolls - plenty of them on eBay) of 3/16" steel brake line, measure out what you need, cut it to length, put the threaded ends on and double flare each end.

If you want a pre-made line, they are available through several online tubing manufacturers (inline tube, classic tube, fine lines, etc..).

They also make the metal brake lines in stainless steel for rust belt areas or for folks that plan to hold onto their truck and never have to replace brake lines ever again.