Neighbor News
How To Repair Your Motor Home Brake Lines
Replacing the damaged brake lines in your RV before putting it up for sale should be a no-brainer as it affects both safety and performance.
According to the 2015 Crash Stats report published by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), brake-related issues account for nearly 22 percent of crashes. And one of the common reasons for brake-related issues is worn brake lines. Leaks in the brake lines result in brake fluid drainage, effectively compromising the ability of the vehicle to slow down in time and prevent a collision. The problem is compounded by the use of cheaper, less corrosion-resistant brake lines in modern RVs. No wonder, the owners of motor homes aged 15 years or less report damaged brake lines, especially after traveling to cold, icy regions. The salt used on the roads quickly decays the brake lines. So, if you’re wondering how to sell your motor home, this might be a good place to start. Fix or replace the rusty brakes to protect your buyers against road accidents. This is a simple, low-cost job and you can do it yourself without relying on an RV repair professional. Find out how below:
Gauge the Extent of the Issue
You must assess the extent of the leak sustained by the brake line before you can begin the repair process. Raise your RV and place it on jack stands. Keep in mind that you will be selling your vehicle afterward, so handle it carefully to avoid any scratches and scuff marks. Now, locate the brake lines of your motor home. Be on the lookout for leaking hoses and rust. Use the master cylinder as a starting point and slowly work your way towards the back.
Get New Equipment
If you come across a section of the brake line covered in rust, don’t panic! Check whether the damage is superficial, or the scaling poses a major threat to the safety of the RV. In the latter case, you need to acquire new hardware. You might not know the size of your brake line, but it can easily be measured with a caliper. Or, you might search for the information online.
You can buy new brake lines in rolls for low rates. You can even get brake flaring kits from the auto parts store. However, make it a point to check your RV model beforehand as different vehicles have fittings for different types of flares. Some flaring kits don’t feature a brake cutting tool, but you can always purchase one separately. They provide a better alternative to cutting the brake line with a shear and squeezing the end shut.
Remove the Old Brake Lines
Use a tubing cutter for cutting through worn-out brake lines. However, if the damage is too extensive, consider replacing the whole system. Bolts hold the brake lines in place, but they may prove difficult to remove when caked with rust. Spraying some rust remover on the affected area will enable you to take out the bolts after some time.
When you’re taking the brake line apart from the junction at a fitting like the master cylinder, be sure to lubricate the nut first. Applying heat may also prove necessary in certain situations. After all, you want to avoid rounded off fittings at all costs. However, in the event you do round them off, vice grips can help you loosen the bolts. Use a wide, tight-fitting nut wrench that makes plenty of contact with the nut. The tool might not be cheap, but it will be worth it.
After removing the brake line fittings from the brake hoses and junction, simply pull it out and get to work on the brake lines.
Switching Out the Brake Lines
Cut new pieces of brake line from the rolls you bought. Try to keep the measurements as accurate as possible. To replace each section of the brake line, you must use two compression fittings. Remove the compression fitting caps but remember to keep the ferrule in a safe spot. Attach the cap to one corner of a brake line and then place the ferrule. The center of the fitting must now carefully be placed onto the end of the brake line. Use your hands to tighten the part as much as possible. Repeat this whole process with the other corner of the brake line. If you’re planning to remove entire sections of the brake line, try using vice grips and wrenches.
Use Brake Fluid
You need to empty all of the brake fluid into the master cylinder. After that, bleed the air from the brake lines. At the rear end of the brake line, carefully place a drip pan below the brake bleeder. Loosen this section until the brake fluid starts dripping steadily from the line. Once the process is complete, tighten the brake bleeder. You will have to repeat the same process with the right front, the left front, and the left rear bleeders. Then it is time to fill brake fluid into the master cylinder once again. Start your RV and slowly pump the process. Every time the brake touches the motor home floor, pause for a moment, and then release it. Keep doing so until a sufficient amount of pressure builds up inside the brake lines. Switch off the engine and thoroughly inspect all the brake lines for signs of any fluid leaks. When you are satisfied with the final inspect, you can lower the vehicle.
Thinking about the easiest way to sell your motor home? Make sure all the parts of your rig are in tip-top shape, including the brake lines. After all, discerning buyers will inspect every inch of your RV before agreeing to the terms of sale. So, a rust-laden brake line is not just a liability, but it is also capable of hampering the performance of the RV brakes. As a result, the safety of the passengers is threatened. Plus, if your buyers find out that you’re trying to sell them a faulty vehicle, your credibility will take a hit. For this reason, it is better to fix this issue to facilitate a smooth transaction. Remember what you wanted in your first RV and understanding your buyer’s needs will become a cakewalk.
