Brake Lines - Complete Set

Complete replacement of all brake lines from master cylinder to all four wheels, including main brake lines, flexible hoses, and mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Complete brake line kit for 2014-2018 Silverado 1500 RWD × 1 — Use OEM specification or pre-bent line set
• Front flexible brake hoses (left and right) × 2 — AC Delco 18J2518 or equivalent
• Rear flexible brake hoses (left and right) × 2 — AC Delco 18J2519 or equivalent
• Brake line clips and retainers × 1 — Assorted as needed
• Copper crush washers for banjo fittings (if applicable) × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Brake line mounting brackets × 1 — Replace any damaged units

Fluids

• ACDelco DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and chock rear wheels before lifting
2. Lift vehicle and support securely on four jack stands at factory lift points
3. Remove all four wheels to access brake components and line routing
4. Spray all brake line fittings with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes to soak
5. Place drain pans under work areas to catch brake fluid
6. Photograph existing brake line routing from multiple angles for reference during installation
7. Label each line at master cylinder connections to ensure correct routing
8. Open master cylinder reservoir cap to prevent vacuum formation during line removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake lines at master cylinder
   Working at the master cylinder under the hood, use a flare nut wrench to carefully loosen each brake line fitting. Start with the rearmost fitting and work forward. Allow fluid to drain into pan. Cap or plug master cylinder ports immediately after each line is removed to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Use only flare nut wrenches on brake line fittings. Standard wrenches will round off the soft brass fittings.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove front brake flexible hoses
   At each front wheel, disconnect the flexible brake hose from the hard line at the frame bracket using a line wrench. Then remove the banjo bolt or hose fitting at the caliper. Remove the hose retaining clip from the frame bracket. Plug all openings immediately.
   ⚠Note the position of any copper crush washers on banjo fittings. These must be replaced with new washers during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove rear brake flexible hoses
   At each rear wheel, disconnect the flexible hose from the hard line junction at the frame or axle. Remove the hose from the caliper or wheel cylinder. Remove any retaining clips or brackets. Plug all openings.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove main hard brake lines from frame
   Follow each brake line from master cylinder toward rear of vehicle. Remove all mounting clips and brackets securing lines to frame rails. Note exact routing, especially where lines pass through frame holes or around suspension components. Remove lines working from front to rear, disconnecting at junction blocks as needed.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   With all old lines removed, inspect frame mounting points for rust, damage, or debris. Wire brush all bracket mounting surfaces and threaded holes. Clean brake line routing channels in frame. Replace any damaged mounting brackets or clips.
   ℹ️This is the ideal time to treat exposed metal with rust prevention coating if desired.
6. 6

   Install new main hard lines to frame
   Beginning at the master cylinder end, route new brake lines along frame following photographed original path. Install mounting clips and brackets loosely at first to allow final positioning adjustment. Ensure lines do not contact exhaust, sharp edges, or moving suspension components. Leave fittings hand-tight until all lines are routed.
   ⚠Brake lines must maintain minimum 1-inch clearance from exhaust components and must not contact the driveshaft.
7. 7

   Secure brake line mounting brackets
   Once all lines are correctly routed and positioned, torque all mounting bracket bolts to specification. Ensure lines are properly seated in clips and brackets with no kinks, twists, or contact points with vehicle components.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install front flexible brake hoses
   Install new front flexible hoses at each wheel. First attach the hose to the frame bracket with retaining clip, ensuring proper orientation. Connect to hard line at frame junction, then to caliper. Use new copper crush washers on banjo fittings if applicable. Hand-tighten all connections initially.
   ⚠Flexible hoses must not be twisted. The stripe or text on the hose should be straight when properly oriented.
   Torque spec

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

   Install rear flexible brake hoses
   Install new rear flexible hoses following same procedure as front. Ensure hoses have adequate slack for full suspension travel but are not so loose they can contact tires or moving components. Verify hoses are not twisted.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect lines at master cylinder
    Working at the master cylinder, connect each new brake line to the correct port using your labels and photos as reference. Thread fittings carefully by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Once all lines are hand-tight, use line wrench to torque to specification.
    ⚠️Incorrect line routing at master cylinder can cause brake system malfunction. Front lines must go to front wheels, rear lines to rear wheels.
    Torque spec

    Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque all brake line fittings
    Systematically torque every brake line fitting in the system using a line wrench and torque wrench. Work from master cylinder outward to each wheel. Do not over-torque fittings as this can damage flares and cause leaks.
    Torque spec

    Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Fill and bleed brake system
    Fill master cylinder reservoir with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid to MAX line. Bleed brakes in this sequence: right rear, left rear, right front, left front. Use pressure bleeder or two-person manual bleeding method. Continue bleeding each wheel until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Maintain reservoir level throughout bleeding process.
    ⚠️Never allow master cylinder reservoir to run dry during bleeding or air will enter the system.
    ⚠Bleeder screws are fragile. Do not over-torque or they will break off in the caliper.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Pressure test brake system
    With vehicle still on jack stands and wheels removed, have an assistant press brake pedal firmly and hold. Inspect every brake line fitting, junction, and connection for leaks. Pay special attention to new flares and hose connections. Any seepage requires immediate correction.
    ⚠️Do not proceed to road testing if any leaks are detected. Even minor seepage will worsen under full braking pressure.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and perform final checks
    Reinstall all four wheels, torquing lug nuts in star pattern to specification. Lower vehicle to ground. Top off master cylinder reservoir to MAX line. Pump brake pedal 20-30 times to ensure firm pedal. Check reservoir level again and add fluid if needed.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify master cylinder reservoir is at MAX level with fresh DOT 4 fluid
2. Confirm brake pedal feels firm with no sponginess after 3-4 pumps
3. Double-check that all brake line mounting clips and brackets are secure
4. Verify no brake lines contact exhaust, driveshaft, or suspension components
5. Ensure all flexible hoses have proper orientation without twisting

Verification

• Start engine and verify brake pedal remains firm and does not slowly sink to floor
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area (parking lot) to verify even braking with no pulling
• Re-inspect all fittings and connections for leaks after initial brake applications
• Test drive at progressively higher speeds, performing moderate and firm braking tests
• After first drive, re-check all fittings for leaks and verify master cylinder fluid level
• Perform emergency stop test from 40 mph in safe location to verify full braking capability
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after first 50 miles of driving
• Monitor brake pedal feel for first several days of driving and re-bleed if pedal becomes spongy

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