Re: Stainless Steel Brake Lines - Where and Who?

tuff88 · #1 10-03-2018, 09:56 PM

I have looked at come older posts on this subject but all of the suggested sites can't be found or don't apply to my 97 Ranger. Where can I buy prebent stainless front brake lines? Any help would be appreciated. Here in the rust belt it only takes a pinhole to drain your fluid reservoir.

Undrstm8ed · #2 10-03-2018, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuff88

I have looked at come older posts on this subject but all of the suggested sites can't be found or don't apply to my 97 Ranger. Where can I buy prebent stainless front brake lines? Any help would be appreciated. Here in the rust belt it only takes a pinhole to drain your fluid reservoir.

Just need to know whether or not you have ABS or not. If you don't know let us know and we can tell you how to find out. In the interim.. http://www.fordrangerforum.com/2743917-post132.html

tuff88 · #3 10-04-2018, 06:07 PM

I'm not sure if I have ABS brakes. How can you tell?

tuff88 · #4 10-04-2018, 06:29 PM

Google suggests looking at you instrument cluster for an ABS light. I have a cluster out of an Explorer to have a tachometer. Googled image of a ABS pump but I haven't seen one of those under the hood. Another article mentions that "Cars without ABS brakes will only have the flexible brake line". I have steel lines from the master cylinder the inner fender well where the line is couples to the rubber line to the wheel. I don't think I have ABS but don't know for sure.

Undrstm8ed · #5 10-06-2018, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuff88

I'm not sure if I have ABS brakes. How can you tell?

if you follow that thread and look at the pics. you'll see that in the drivers front wheel well is a "T" connection of sorts. If it looks like what you see in the pics, you DONT have ABS..

tuff88 · #6 10-20-2018, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed

if you follow that thread and look at the pics. you'll see that in the drivers front wheel well is a "T" connection of sorts. If it looks like what you see in the pics, you DONT have ABS..

I have looked for the thread you mentioned and couldn't find the thread you mention that pictures a "T". I looked at this link http://www.fordrangerforum.com/2743917-post132.html and couldn't see a "T". But I'm looking for something that I have not identified before.
I have looked at the drivers front wheel well and couldn't find a distribution pump as suggested by a neighbor. I have driven cars with ABS and can say that I have never felt the pumping action felt in the pedal associated with hard braking in my 97 Ranger.

Undrstm8ed · #7 10-20-2018, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuff88

I have looked for the thread you mentioned and couldn't find the thread you mention that pictures a "T". I looked at this link http://www.fordrangerforum.com/2743917-post132.html and couldn't see a "T". But I'm looking for something that I have not identified before.
I have looked at the drivers front wheel well and couldn't find a distribution pump as suggested by a neighbor. I have driven cars with ABS and can say that I have never felt the pumping action felt in the pedal associated with hard braking in my 97 Ranger.

That link was just to show you SS lines are available for your application... I just mentioned looking for the "T" itself as an identifier of whether you had ABS or not.

The link that would show you the "T" would be below and in pics 4, 5, and 6. and if your setup is like that, you have a NON ABS setup.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/2744210-post138.html

tuff88 · #8 10-20-2018, 11:59 PM

Thank you, I will check on this and get back to you.

dvrich · #9 10-21-2018, 09:53 AM

A 97 Ranger would have 2 wheel ABS standard and 4 wheel ABS was optional.

tuff88 · #10 10-21-2018, 03:59 PM

It is confirmed! I have a rusty truck without ABS. Since you have experience changing these lines how difficult is it? I can say I am a mediocre mechanic that is self taught and only works on the problems my cars suffer from. I am a bit concerned that I am getting over my head since that local mechanic would charge me in labor for about what the truck is worth without parts.

Undrstm8ed · #11 10-22-2018, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuff88

It is confirmed! I have a rusty truck without ABS. Since you have experience changing these lines how difficult is it? I can say I am a mediocre mechanic that is self taught and only works on the problems my cars suffer from. I am a bit concerned that I am getting over my head since that local mechanic would charge me in labor for about what the truck is worth without parts.

Pretty easy with a real line wrench and a can of PB blaster and a lil patience. You will need a buddy/girlfriend capable of following simple directions of pump, pump.., hold of course.

tuff88 · #12 10-22-2018, 01:24 PM

Do you have an idea where I can purchase stainless lines now that we know I don't have ABS? Where can I buy a "real line wrench" and what dose it look like?

Undrstm8ed · #13 10-23-2018, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuff88

Do you have an idea where I can purchase stainless lines now that we know I don't have ABS? Where can I buy a "real line wrench" and what dose it look like?

the product info, check in box for additional instructions..
https://camburg.com/shop/drivetrain/...t-brake-lines/

Note:: the difference between this and a normal box end wrench.. doesn't have to be MAC tools but its what i have and looked for in a pic. Sears or if ya had to support the Chines economy - Harbor Freight if you must.

tuff88 · #14 10-23-2018, 04:11 AM

Thanks for all your help!

tuff88 · #15 10-29-2018, 02:19 PM

There was a miscommunication that I needed the flexible line from frame to the caliper earlier in this thread. I'm still wondering if anyone knows the best place to buy a brake line "kit". I have a 1997 2 wheel drive non ABS long bed. Including four pre-bent lines from the master cylinder to frame rail or inner fender well. Thanks in advance!