Brake Hose - Rear

Replace the rear brake hose on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8, restoring proper brake hydraulic function to the rear brake system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake hose assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or ACDelco 179-4052
• Copper crush washers (for banjo bolt) × 2 — Typically included with hose
• Thread locker (Loctite 242 or equivalent) × 1 — Medium strength

Fluids

• ACDelco DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified rear lift point (rear axle or frame)
5. Place jack stands under frame rails behind rear axle to support vehicle safely
6. Remove rear wheel completely on the side being serviced
7. Remove brake fluid reservoir cap to prevent vacuum formation during hose removal
8. Optionally remove some old brake fluid from reservoir using turkey baster to minimize spillage and contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Clean the brake hose connection points
   Use brake cleaner spray and wire brush to clean the brake hose banjo bolt at the caliper, the frame mounting bracket, and the hard line connection. Removing dirt and corrosion now prevents contamination and makes disassembly easier.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake hose from caliper
   Position a drain pan under the caliper. Using a combination wrench, hold the banjo bolt hex and remove it completely. Immediately plug the caliper port with a clean rubber cap or wrap with clean plastic to minimize fluid loss and contamination. Remove and discard both copper crush washers from the banjo bolt.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drain from both the hose and caliper. Have rags and drain pan ready to catch fluid.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake hose from hard line
   Locate where the flexible brake hose connects to the metal hard line at the frame bracket. Use the appropriate size line wrench (flare nut wrench) to loosen the threaded fitting. Turn the hose end counterclockwise to disconnect. A standard wrench may round the fitting, so a line wrench is critical. Allow fluid to drain into pan.
   ⚠Use only a line wrench (flare nut wrench) on brake line fittings. Standard wrenches will round off the soft brass fittings.
4. 4

   Remove brake hose from frame bracket
   The brake hose is secured to the frame or axle bracket with a retaining clip or bolt. If equipped with a horseshoe clip, use pliers to compress and slide it off. If equipped with a bolt, remove it completely. Note the orientation of the hose and bracket for proper reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove old brake hose
   Pull the brake hose through the mounting bracket and remove it completely from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting bracket for damage or excessive corrosion. Clean the bracket mounting area with a wire brush if needed.
6. 6

   Prepare new brake hose
   Remove new brake hose from packaging and verify it matches the old hose in length and fitting types. Ensure two new copper crush washers are available (should come with hose). Do not remove protective caps from hose ends until ready to install to prevent contamination.
7. 7

   Install brake hose to frame bracket
   Route the new brake hose through the frame bracket in the same orientation as the original. Ensure the hose is not twisted and will have adequate clearance from suspension components, exhaust, and frame during full suspension travel. Install the retaining clip or bracket bolt finger-tight.
   ⚠Ensure the brake hose has no twists and will not contact suspension components, driveshaft, or exhaust through full range of wheel travel.
8. 8

   Connect brake hose to hard line
   Remove protective cap from hose end. Thread the brake hose fitting into the hard line connection at the frame bracket by hand. Turn clockwise until hand-tight, ensuring the fitting threads smoothly without cross-threading. Use a line wrench to tighten to specification.
   ⚠Start all brake line fittings by hand to prevent cross-threading. If resistance is felt, back off and restart.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Secure brake hose in bracket
   If equipped with a bracket bolt, tighten to specification. If equipped with a horseshoe clip, ensure it is fully seated and secure. Verify the hose can move slightly in the bracket but is firmly retained. Check again that the hose is not twisted.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Bracket10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect brake hose to caliper
    Place one new copper crush washer on each side of the banjo fitting (one against caliper, one under bolt head). Insert the banjo bolt through the banjo fitting and thread into the caliper port. Hand-tighten first, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the hose is properly oriented and not twisted.
    ⚠Always use new copper crush washers on both sides of the banjo fitting. Reusing old washers will cause leaks.
    Torque spec

    Brake Hose Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Bleed the rear brake circuit
    Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh ACDelco DOT 4 brake fluid. Attach bleeder hose to the caliper bleeder screw and place other end in a clear catch bottle. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-5 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 turn, allow fluid and air to escape until stream is solid, then close bleeder screw before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in discharged fluid. Tighten bleeder screw to specification.
    ⚠Never allow the brake fluid reservoir to run empty during bleeding or additional air will enter the system.
    ⚠Close the bleeder screw before the brake pedal reaches the floor to prevent air from being drawn back into the caliper.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Check for leaks
    With bleeder screw closed, have an assistant apply firm, steady brake pedal pressure while you inspect all connection points (banjo bolt at caliper, hard line fitting, and bracket). Look for any fluid weeping or dripping. If leaks are found, release pedal pressure, correct the issue, and recheck. Wipe all connections clean with a rag after verification.
    ⚠️Any brake fluid leak is a safety-critical failure. Do not proceed if leaks are present.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel, starting all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench to specification. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on the ground, re-torque lug nuts in star pattern to final specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts190 Nm (140 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid
2. Reinstall brake fluid reservoir cap securely
3. Clean any spilled brake fluid from frame, suspension, and wheels immediately with water
4. Dispose of old brake fluid and contaminated rags according to local regulations

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal several times. Pedal should feel firm and consistent by the third pump
• With engine running, apply firm brake pressure and verify pedal does not slowly sink to floor (indicates leak or air in system)
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area (5-10 mph). Vehicle should stop smoothly without pulling to one side
• Re-inspect all brake hose connections for leaks after test drive
• Verify brake fluid level is at MAX line in reservoir
• Check brake pedal travel and feel matches pre-repair condition. If pedal feels soft or travels too far, re-bleed the system
• Before returning vehicle to normal service, perform brake tests at progressively higher speeds in a safe area to verify full braking performance

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