Brake Hose - Rear

Replace the rear brake hose(s) connecting the rigid brake line to the rear brake caliper, including bleeding the brake system to restore proper braking function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Copper crush washers for banjo bolt × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hose retaining clip × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
2. Remove master cylinder reservoir cap and use turkey baster to remove some fluid to prevent overflow during caliper compression
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight (F-150 curb weight approximately 4,500-5,000 lbs)
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Place catch pan beneath work area to collect brake fluid
7. Spray brake hose fittings with penetrating oil if corrosion is present, wait 10 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and inspect brake hose routing
   Identify the rear brake hose running from the rigid brake line on the frame to the brake caliper. Note the routing and position of any retaining clips or brackets. The hose typically connects to the caliper via a banjo bolt and to the frame line via a threaded fitting.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake hose from caliper
   Using a combination wrench, hold the banjo bolt at the caliper and loosen it. Remove the banjo bolt completely and immediately plug the caliper port with a clean rag or rubber plug to minimize fluid loss. Note the position of the copper crush washers (one on each side of the hose fitting). Discard the old crush washers.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drain from the hose and caliper. Position catch pan to collect fluid.
3. 3

   Remove hose from frame bracket
   Locate the brake hose retaining clip or bracket where the hose mounts to the frame or axle. Remove the retaining clip by prying it out with a flat-blade screwdriver, or remove the bracket bolt if equipped. Slide the hose out of the bracket.
   ℹ️Note orientation of retaining clip for installation of new hose.
4. 4

   Disconnect brake hose from rigid line
   Using a line wrench (not a regular wrench), hold the brake hose fitting with one wrench while loosening the line nut on the rigid brake line with another line wrench. Unthread the hose completely from the brake line. Allow fluid to drain into catch pan. Cap or plug the rigid line opening immediately to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Using a regular open-end wrench instead of a line wrench can round off the soft brass fittings.
5. 5

   Remove old brake hose
   Remove the old brake hose from the vehicle. Inspect the rigid brake line threads for damage or corrosion. Clean threads with a wire brush if necessary. Ensure no debris enters the brake line.
6. 6

   Prepare new brake hose
   Unpack the new brake hose and verify it matches the old hose routing and fitting types. Install new copper crush washers on the banjo bolt (do not reuse old washers). Ensure the brake hose is clean and free of protective caps.
7. 7

   Connect new hose to rigid brake line
   Thread the brake hose onto the rigid brake line by hand, ensuring threads engage properly without cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use line wrenches to tighten the fitting to specification. Hold the hose body to prevent twisting while tightening the line nut.
   ⚠Do not over-tighten. Brass fittings can strip easily. Stop immediately if resistance increases abnormally.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install hose in frame bracket
   Route the brake hose through the frame bracket in the same orientation as the original. Ensure the hose is not twisted and has adequate clearance from suspension components and the tire throughout the suspension travel range. Install the retaining clip or bracket bolt to secure the hose.
   ⚠Verify hose does not contact suspension, tire, or frame during full steering and suspension travel. A pinched or abraded hose will fail.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Bracket24 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect brake hose to caliper
   Position the brake hose banjo fitting to the caliper inlet port. Install one new copper crush washer on each side of the banjo fitting (between fitting and caliper, and between bolt head and fitting). Insert the banjo bolt and hand-thread it into the caliper. Tighten the banjo bolt to specification using a torque wrench.
   ⚠️New copper washers are mandatory. Reused washers will not seal properly and will cause brake fluid leaks.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Bleed rear brake circuit
    Fill the master cylinder reservoir with fresh DOT 4 LV brake fluid to the MAX line. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw on the rear caliper and submerge the other end in a container partially filled with brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-5 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 turn and allow fluid and air to escape until flow stops. Close the bleeder screw before the assistant releases the pedal. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the hose and only clean fluid flows. Tighten bleeder screw to specification.
    ⚠️Never allow the master cylinder reservoir to run empty during bleeding or air will enter the system.
    ℹ️If working on only one side, you may need to bleed the opposite rear brake as well to ensure proper system function.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Clean the wheel hub mounting surface and wheel mating surface. Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (to prevent wheel rotation). Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Perform final bleeding and pedal check
    With the vehicle still supported on jack stands, top off the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line. Start the engine and pump the brake pedal several times. The pedal should feel firm and not sink to the floor. If pedal is spongy, repeat bleeding procedure. Check all connections for leaks while assistant applies firm pressure to brake pedal.
    ⚠️A spongy or low brake pedal indicates air in the system or a leak. Do not drive the vehicle until a firm pedal is achieved.

Reassembly

1. Verify all brake line fittings and banjo bolts are torqued to specification
2. Confirm brake hose is properly routed with no twists and clear of all suspension and steering components
3. Fill master cylinder reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 LV brake fluid and install cap securely
4. Lower vehicle completely from jack stands and remove wheel chocks
5. Perform final lug nut torque check with vehicle on ground

Verification

• With engine running, pump brake pedal several times and verify firm pedal feel with no excessive travel
• Inspect all brake hose connections for leaks with pedal pressure applied
• Check master cylinder fluid level and verify it remains at proper level
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify brakes engage smoothly and evenly without pulling to one side
• Perform several moderate stops from 30 mph to confirm proper brake function before normal operation
• Re-check all connection points for leaks after test drive and verify master cylinder fluid level has not dropped

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle