Finally done!! New issue for all to check!!

[multishowner]

Good day all,

I got my 98 finished up yesterday and found a new issue with my car that I recommend most to check, mainly for those in the northern areas where salt is going to take it's toll on the steel componets.

I found this after some investigating...







I went to seat the brake pads and couldn't figure out why the pedal was constantly going to the floor. I found the reservoir low... figured that was the problem, I filled it and continue to check for leaks and such. Walked around to the pass front wheel and found a puddle of brake fluid. I figured I had hit a line for that tire when installing the motor. Nope! Rust has eaten through the line at the holding bracket at the top of the firewall.

It really stinks too... I was so looking forward to testing out my new TC!!

You don't have to pull the plastic to check the line... just reach under the lip that the motor ground is connected to, and you should feel a smooth or rusty line... if it is the latter, pull the plastic!

Cheers all!!

 

[blacklabel]

I agree with you, all those in the rust belt should check their brake lines. One of the lines in the brake cluster went on me one day. Luckily it happened when I turned the car on. The thing is my lines didn't even look as bad as the one in the picture and it still went bad. Oddly enough though the one your talking about looked really good still on my car.(Gen 1) Since that, I have had all the lines replaced except one tiny one.

I seriously HATE rust.

 

[SHOZ123]

This is becoming pretty common in the salt use areas. Look around the gas tank and over the rear control arms too. That's were mine are the worst.

 

[luigisho]

Once one goes the others aren't far behind. I think I fixed one rear line and had the other one go about 5 months later.

 

[macaddict]

Thanks for the warning. I had no idea these lines could do that so soon.
I have had 25 year old fords that never had the lines rust like this, and I live in Iowa.

 

[Red Devil]

The lines in the SHO suck. I've bent more brake line for that car than the rest of my cars combined. And the bubble flare crap Ford uses is a PITFA to do properly.

 

[SHOZ123]

A couple of years ago I had the gas tank out. (another thing that is prone to rust as well as the steel tranny lines, the area under the side ground effects and front of the rear wheel wells)

When the tank was out I used a can of paint with a straw to try and get them covered in paint. Then hit them with some pressurized spray on Vaseline. The Vaseline sticks really good and has stayed on quite well.

 

[typhoon5000]

The lines in the SHO suck. I've bent more brake line for that car than the rest of my cars combined. And the bubble flare crap Ford uses is a PITFA to do properly.

Agreed