Ford chassis brake lines

[Hal108]

I have a 2005 Class A on a 2004 Ford chassis. I recently lost my brakes due to a 10 cent (?) clip that had been attached to the brake line between the rear wheels. This clip was attached to the brake line to support some type of wire assembly, possibly an ABS wire. The rust occurred at the point where the clip was attached to the brake line. After 12 years of rusting, I ended up with a leaking brake line and no brakes!
I would advise every owner of a Ford chassis of that era to have your mechanic check out your brake lines. If mine could rust out, so could yours. I have had my brake lines checked since then and could find no other rusted spots.
It took my roadside assistance provider almost four days (90 hrs.) to get a wrecker to me in the Big Bend National Park in order to tow me 150 miles to Fort Stockton, TX. I would not wish this on anyone.

[bsinmich]

You are overlooking the part of brake lines corroding from the inside. Moisture collects in brake fluid and causes corrosion from the inside out and also in the calipers. Boiling brake fluid will let the pedal go to the floor the same way a leak does. I had this happen on a 2 year old Ford E350 chassis and that was also the heart of the Workhorse brake problems of 10 years ago.

[rgatijnet1]

I am assuming that the OP is talking about the steel brake lines on the rear of the Ford, rather than the flexible brake lines. Replacing the steel brake lines is a DIY project with materials, and tools, that you can pick up at most auto parts stores. If you want to do a permanent fix, you can purchase stainless steel tubing to replace the bare steel lines from the factory. You then just need a DOUBLE flare tool to make the ends. A single flare tool, as in plumbing, should never be used.

[1492]

Moved from Forum Technical Support

[Bird_Freak]

I would say if you have an older vehicle and live up north to have your brake lines checked often no mater the brand. Remember the Chevy trucks with the rusting brake lines? My buddy had to replace all of them on his 04.

[K_Charles]

We lost our brakes on our 2004 Ford excursion while on Cape Cod about a year ago. I turned up the trailer brakes and drove to a campground. The front brakes would work if you stepped on the peddle far enough. Anyway, the steel line across the rear end had rusted out right at the clamp. I got the hose from the frame to rear end and the brake line and some fittings and fixed it at the campground. I had previously replaced the two front hoses and the line down the frame. I didn't see the spot under the clamp at that time.

I guess the OP is right, someone should look under your whatever every now and then.

[rockhillmanor]

I'll just add that if you have an older MH on a Ford Chasssis "REPLACE" the brake lines.

I lost brakes exiting an interstate and almost died. Only to find out it was the brake lines. I had JUST had new brakes put on the previous week! Mechanic said everything else looked fine.

Brake lines can fail 'from the inside'. The outside looks perfect. What happens is the inside fails and collapses. After a trip to a semi repair shop they said bad brake lines it is a common failure on this chassis.

So when your coach is in the shop change the brake lines whether they look bad or not. Also you won't find an aftermarket for them the ONLY ones that will fit are the OEM lines. Had to wait one extra day for the OEM brake lines to be delivered. But worth the wait.

[midnightsadie]

also rv,s that sit on the grass tend to rust faster, theres a lot of moisture in the ground.

[K_Charles]

That's why they have a dual master cylinder. It might be a very low pedal but if you loose rear brakes you still have front.