Brake System Ford F150 Brake Lines Diagram (2025)

FAQs

What are the lines on the brake system? ›

Brake lines are rigid metal tubes attached to the car's body, and they transport the fluid most of the way to the wheels. Brake hoses are found at the end of the brake lines and are used to bring the fluid the rest of the way to each caliper or wheel cylinder.

The average cost for a Ford F-150 Brake Hose Replacement is between $201 and $235. Labor costs are estimated between $79 and $99 while parts are priced between $122 and $136. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Corrosion and rust

Because salt accelerates corrosion, cars are more prone to brake line failures in areas where road salt is commonly used. Over time, rust can weaken the lines and cause them to leak or break.

Usually. on older vehicles, the first section (closest to the brake pedal) is larger and handles the front brakes, and the second section handles the rear brakes.

Brake lines are hoses that transfer brake fluid from a reservoir through a pump or modulator to a brake master cylinder to create hydraulic pressure. The pressure pushes the brake pads against the disc rotor or drum brake, which slows or stops the vehicle.

Your vehicle has four hoses, although they don't always need to be replaced at the same time. Learn more about brake line replacement costs, brake line repair kits and when you might need new brake lines.

How long does it take to replace the brake line? The brake line is routed differently on all vehicles, and a professional mechanic who has all the proper equipment and tools can typically replace brake lines within two hours or less.

Can I replace a brake line hose myself or should I have it done professionally? A brake hose can be replaced by a competent DIYer. If you're not confident in your skills, it's best to have a pro take on the job for you.

No. It is strongly advised not to keep driving with a broken brake line. Even a small leak compromises the effectiveness of your brake system and creates a safety issue in traffic. Pull over somewhere safe and have your car towed immediately.

Are brake lines expensive to fix? ›

Some estimates suggest that a new brake line can cost between $150 and $300, depending on the type of vehicle you drive.

When your vehicle leaks brake fluid, it typically leaves a trail that can range from a light, yellowish hue to a dark brown that resembles motor oil. If you suspect your vehicle is leaking, check on the ground under the vehicle, around the master cylinder, on the brake lines, on the rotors and on the drums.

Brake hoses are make of rubber with specialty metal fittings on each end. Brake lines are made of metal (steel, stainless steel, etc.). Brake hoses are make of rubber with specialty metal fittings on each end.

During brake bleeding, the master-cylinder cap should be left unscrewed but still in place atop the reservoir. Each brake must be bled in the correct sequence. Generally, you bleed the brake most distant from the master cylinder first, but some cars require a different order.

In many vehicles, the port toward the back of the master cylinder, closer to the firewall, operates the front brakes. With that in mind, the port toward the front of the master cylinder, near the front bumper, is the one that works the rear brakes. This design might seem backward, but it's the standard layout.

Brake linings are composed of a relatively soft but tough and heat-resistant material with a high coefficient of dynamic friction (and ideally an identical coefficient of static friction) typically mounted to a solid metal backing using high-temperature adhesives or rivets.

Usually you will notice that there's leaking brake fluid. The brake lines can withstand a lot of pressure on their own. But if you see that there are leaks, this is a clear indication that you will encounter problems, so the best thing that you can do is to deal with that at the best level.

Often times—but not always—in a dual-circuit brake system, the front hydraulic lines and brake components are completely isolated from the rears.

If you find rust or suspect rust is eating at the line, or even if you live in the “rust belt” states where lots of road salt is used, pop the lines out of their body clips and look carefully for corrosion. A little surface rust is alright, but if there is notable deep pitting it's time to replace your brake line!