Packard Forum Index » General

Yeah, I figured that would be an obvious conclusion, as well as moisture being drawn in from the wheel cylinders, past the cups.

For flushing the system, I like denatured alcohol. Disconnect the flex lines from the hard lines, drain out the old DOT-3 fluid, plug the ends and fill the lines with a funnel, burp them out at the ends and let sit for a few days, then drain and blow out with compressed air.

Which brake lines? Flex or solid? If the flex lines are 16 years old, replace them.

I had a 41 Chevy for almost 40 years that got perhaps a hundred miles a year put on it. About 6-7 years ago took it in for service and suggested replacing the flex lines as preventive maintenance The owner of the garage pronounced my lines perfect, but to shut me up took one off. It disintegrated in his hands. It looked pristine because it never saw sunlight, water or much action, but.....

Why mess with either your safety or potential lawsuits? Particularly for so few dollars.....

I certainly agree with PatGreen about the flex lines. Usualy about 15 years more-or-less the flex lines can be questionable. Nonetheless, the flex lines are ez enuf to analyse as is suggested in PatGreens post above. Just grab one and twist it some. Listen for a crunching or crackeling sound.

Nearly all of my cars and lite trucks have required flex line replacement in the 15 year time frame.

Thanks guys...I was talking about the steel lines. I didn't want to go through the trouble of bending new ones if it wasn't necessary. I'll replace the flex lines and check the fluid condition to see if I get any indications of rust in the lines.

You would be smarter and ahead of the game if you replace the steel lines as well, trust me on this. They can appear just fine and work fine until you have to make that unexpected emergency stop, then your brakes are no longer there, and you slam into the Honda that just cut you off. Better be safe than sorry IMHO.

FWIW, there's more steel in your trunklid than there is in a modern car. Chew on that for a while.