Brake Line replacement question

[mijohnst]

Hey guys... I haven't been on in a while because after the pandemic shutdown I've had to divert my attention to other things. My 2005 Tahoe was running great until this past weekend. Actually, it's still running great but one of the steel brake lines busted so I'm getting ready to replace it.

I've been watching some YouTube and there are some great videos that have been really helpful. My only issue is I can't find a diagram of my Tahoe. Most videos show a single steel line running to a connector close to the spare tire. I have 2 steel lines running back there from my ABS. It's tripped me up because I ordered a kit that supposedly fit but I'm short a line.

Does anyone know why mine is different than everyone else's? Thanks again... Hope everyone is doing well.

 

[wjburken]

Hey guys... I haven't been on in a while because after the pandemic shutdown I've had to divert my attention to other things. My 2005 Tahoe was running great until this past weekend. Actually, it's still running great but one of the steel brake lines busted so I'm getting ready to replace it.

I've been watching some YouTube and there are some great videos that have been really helpful. My only issue is I can't find a diagram of my Tahoe. Most videos show a single steel line running to a connector close to the spare tire. I have 2 steel lines running back there from my ABS. It's tripped me up because I ordered a kit that supposedly fit but I'm short a line.

Does anyone know why mine is different than everyone else's? Thanks again... Hope everyone is doing well.

Can’t remember the particulars but yes, some options have an additional line. @Rocket Man has discussed this a few times so he should be able to shed some more light on the matter.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Can’t remember the particulars but yes, some options have an additional line. @Rocket Man has discussed this a few times so he should be able to shed some more light on the matter.

Isn't it something like JL4?

 

[mijohnst]

Thank you for the response guys! You're right Tony, it is JL4, which means I have Active Break Control. Like an idiot, I assumed that all brakes were the same on these. I found a good video to help others that might have the same issue. The only thing I don't like is having to use Dorman aftermarket replacement but I'm going to make an exception for this.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Thank you for the response guys! You're right Tony, it is JL4, which means I have Active Break Control. Like an idiot, I assumed that all brakes were the same on these. I found a good video to help others that might have the same issue. The only thing I don't like is having to use Dorman aftermarket replacement but I'm going to make an exception for this.

That was a pretty good video. Made the job seem totally doable by an average diy'er. I'm in NJ, which is a salt state, so the only issue I could think of--those body mount bolts might snap from being so rusty. Other then that--great vid.

 

[OR VietVet]

Plus he has the mid west twang to his voice. When I lived in Mo. I heard that alot. That was a great video. Just to be sure I did look at my 2002 for the JL4 and thankfully I do not have that. The video said starts in 2003 but I had to look to be sure.

@mijohnst, have fun with this repair. I already know you like a challenge, like you had with your heater core work.

 

[mijohnst]

Well Ron, you know that I wouldn't have been able to do all that with my heater core and catalytic converter (and many other issues!) without you and the members of this forum. The knowledge and expertise has been invaluable.

Plus he has the mid west twang to his voice. When I lived in Mo. I heard that alot. That was a great video. Just to be sure I did look at my 2002 for the JL4 and thankfully I do not have that. The video said starts in 2003 but I had to look to be sure.

@mijohnst, have fun with this repair. I already know you like a challenge, like you had with your heater core work.

 

[OR VietVet]

Oh GOSH, now I am blushing.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Thank you for the response guys! You're right Tony, it is JL4, which means I have Active Break Control. Like an idiot, I assumed that all brakes were the same on these. I found a good video to help others that might have the same issue. The only thing I don't like is having to use Dorman aftermarket replacement but I'm going to make an exception for this.

Nice find on this video. Best one I've seen.

 

[Larryjb]

Good, now I know who to ask when it comes time to do my heater core and brake lines.

Well Ron, you know that I wouldn't have been able to do all that with my heater core and catalytic converter (and many other issues!) without you and the members of this forum. The knowledge and expertise has been invaluable.

 

[mijohnst]

I just finished running the back 2 lines and man...that's the worst thing I've ever had to do in all my time working on any car! lol I hope I never have to do that again. Yikes!

 

[Larryjb]

Worse than removing a transfer case and transmission? That's my benchmark now. (Haven't tried the heater core benchmark yet... not wanting to try that one.)

 

[BG1988]

Hey guys... I haven't been on in a while because after the pandemic shutdown I've had to divert my attention to other things. My 2005 Tahoe was running great until this past weekend. Actually, it's still running great but one of the steel brake lines busted so I'm getting ready to replace it.

I've been watching some YouTube and there are some great videos that have been really helpful. My only issue is I can't find a diagram of my Tahoe. Most videos show a single steel line running to a connector close to the spare tire. I have 2 steel lines running back there from my ABS. It's tripped me up because I ordered a kit that supposedly fit but I'm short a line.

Does anyone know why mine is different than everyone else's? Thanks again... Hope everyone is doing well.

you sohuld replace all of them including the rubber hoses (defective from the factory)

 

[bigdog9191999]

just went all through all this recently on our denali, and I agree that getting both lines forward from the rear was the worst part. the first one went in pretty easy, but was too crowded for both to fit, I ended up straitening the "hook" at the end and re bent it after through the forward body mount. the other issue I had as getting the fitting for the left rear tight enough to not leak. ( btw a crows foot from the rear with a wobble extension worked well to reach those fittings) and JL4 seems correct.

 

[mijohnst]

After replacing lines, did any of you still have the ABS warning stay on? I've bled all the brake lines and braking works like it did before but it's still throwing that "Service Brake System" and the red brake light is on. Just wonder if it'll catch up and correct itself or I'm supposed to force into a recalibration?

 

[mijohnst]

I think I *might* have found the issue. One of the new lines that I ran is slowly leaking. I tightened it up and it's still leaking after I depressing the brake. Grrrrr.... I hate brakes!!

Thread sealer?

 

[OR VietVet]

No. New line.

Double check where the line threads in and seats.

 

[new2yukon]

Cant he loosen and lube the threads with some sort of approved lube and reseat and try that? I'm not talking a thread sealer but something that might help the threads mate more smoothly. Maybe he's got some rougher threads that are binding.

Just a thought.

 

[OR VietVet]

If he continues to tighten the threads will stretch even further. The line and the threaded fitting are softer than what is being threaded into.

 

[mijohnst]

Turns out that I cross-threaded one of the flexible middle pipes threads. What a pain in the butt to change. I replaced it, bleed all tires and now there isn't anymore leak. It's breaking just like it did before. However, I'm still getting a "Stability System Disabled" and the red brake light is on. I've pulled all the codes but it has nothing about the brakes or ABS. I only have two codes...one is an AC actuator and the other is about the CD player that isn't installed anymore.

Is there a way to recalibrate the ECU or the ABS system? I really feel like it's a false positive that just needs to be cleared. Any recommendations? Thanks again, guys.