So after a search, this sounds like it might be a new one (I've got a '99 DII w/ 168k miles sooo.. not out of the question).

There's a famous commuter road (huge area that's expanded even more, all roads lead to a single lane) I was on this evening... person in front of me panick-braked (new lexus..) luckily i had enough time to move out of the way while locking up the tires. When I stopped, I was a good 2' past their bumper to the side, which was a scary thought.....

So then a few seconds later I stepped on the brakes again and the pedal went to the floor. I still had light braking ability but I was also pulling to the right. I got slightly alarmed but tried to remain calm....

I had my local land rover shop about 4 miles up the road, and home was about 10.

I pulled into the local LR shop (closed) and pumped/stepped on the brakes to head a NOISE?!#)(*@$ %* outside the door towards the back of the car?!

Sure enough, I was SPRAYING brake fluid everywhere... passenger side forward of the wheel near where the frame joins the body.

I never knew a line could completely bust, and still.... never knew it could physically make a noise when stepping on the pedal?!

I drove home after realizing it was an issue with the rear brakes only and I had a good amount of fluid left. I knew the level sensor would trigger if I got dangerously low, but only had a few miles till home so I wasn't worried. I actually only used the brakes 3 times, the rest was trans shifting/downshifting. Still, the "BRAKE" light came on as I entered the neighborhood. I was almost more shocked to see it turn on exactly where/when I expected it to. At least the warnings were working well!

Either way... I'm assuming it's rust, but I'll have to crawl under there to be sure. Looks like I'll be driving the range rover for a while.

 

brake line was rusty from salt.
If this line blew, others will too.

replace them all with stainless.

If you plan to keep the truck.

 

if one steel line goes the others are probably not long to follow, at least that the way in works in NE.

 

Agreed. I replaced all of mine when I did my rear brakes. Many people are very scared to do the job -- I just got a couple coils of brake line and went to town. Did the same on my last offroader. Brake lines blowing is not a problem I wish to be surprised by somewhere, so first sign of anything -- I replace them all.

Glad you survived what -could- have been a terrible accident!

Dave

 

I had a TF front passenger steel braided brake line burst this past winter (was not even two years old). It was strange because my pedal only went to the floor when I had full steering lock to the left.


Ohh yea, I rounded the hell out of the bolt trying to get it off, melted some stuff while trying to loosen it, the thing turned into a real pita.


Word of caution that any brake line can be compromised.

 

I wouldn't use stainless.
Here's brake line that is easy to work and will last the life of your Rover:
NAPA AUTO PARTS

Do not user plain copper tubing.

 

The CuNi lines are vers easy to bend and work with. You can get them pre flared with fittings in many different lengths. I got mine from Advance Auto.

http://www.agscompany.com/automotive...nes/nicopp/363

 

Ah, cool, another source. I knew about Fedhill but not ags.
And yeah, very easy to work the CuNi tubing.

 

Here is the flare tool that I used. Automotive Inline Bubble Flaring Tool Kit

I paid around $22 + Shipping for it.

 

nice little kit, especially for in-situ flaring.
Do you have any tubing left over that you could flare and post a clear close-up photo of?