Brake Hose - Rear

Replace the rear brake hose that connects the brake hard line to the rear brake caliper, including proper bleeding and torque procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Copper crush washers for banjo bolt × 2 — Two required per banjo connection

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
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 at manufacturer-approved lift points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Clean area around brake hose connections with brake cleaner to prevent contamination
7. Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood and remove cap to prevent vacuum formation during bleeding
8. Have replacement brake hose and new copper washers ready before opening brake system

Procedure

1. 1

   Position drain container and prepare connections
   Position a drain container under the brake caliper and brake hose connection point. If connections appear corroded, apply penetrating oil to banjo bolt and allow 10-15 minutes to soak. Identify the banjo bolt at the caliper and the hard line connection at the brake hose bracket.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake hose from caliper
   Using a 14mm box wrench, loosen and remove the banjo bolt connecting the brake hose to the rear caliper. Brake fluid will immediately begin to drain. Remove the banjo bolt completely and set aside the old copper crush washers for disposal. Do not reuse these washers. Plug the caliper port with a clean rag to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drain freely once banjo bolt is loosened. Have drain container positioned properly.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake hose from hard line
   Using a 10mm flare nut wrench on the hard line connection, carefully loosen the fitting where the brake hose connects to the metal brake line at the bracket. Flare nut wrenches prevent rounding of the soft brass fitting. Unthread completely by hand once loose. Additional brake fluid will drain from this connection.
   ⚠Use a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding the soft brake line fitting. Standard wrenches may cause damage.
4. 4

   Remove brake hose from bracket
   Locate the clip or bracket bolt securing the brake hose to its mounting bracket on the suspension or chassis. Remove the retaining clip or bracket bolt to free the brake hose. Note the routing and orientation of the old hose for correct installation of the replacement.
5. 5

   Remove old brake hose
   Remove the old brake hose completely from the vehicle. Inspect the hard line connection threads and caliper banjo port for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean threads with a wire brush if necessary. Verify that new brake hose matches the old hose in length, fittings, and bracket configuration.
6. 6

   Install new brake hose to bracket
   Route the new brake hose along the same path as the original, ensuring it is not twisted. Install the brake hose into the mounting bracket on the suspension or chassis. The hose must not contact any moving parts, sharp edges, or rub against the tire during full suspension travel and steering movement. Secure with the retaining clip or bracket bolt. If bracket uses a bolt, torque to specification.
   ⚠Ensure brake hose is not twisted and will not contact tire or suspension components through full range of motion.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect brake hose to hard line
   Thread the brake hose fitting into the hard line connection at the bracket by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once hand-tight, use the flare nut wrench to snug the connection. Do not overtighten as this can strip the soft brass threads. The connection should be snug but not excessively tight.
8. 8

   Connect brake hose to caliper with new washers
   Place one NEW copper crush washer on each side of the brake hose banjo fitting (one against the hose fitting, one against the caliper). Insert the banjo bolt through the washers and hose fitting into the caliper port. Thread by hand initially to prevent cross-threading. Using a 14mm wrench and torque wrench, torque the banjo bolt to specification.
   ⚠️Always use NEW copper crush washers on both sides of the banjo fitting. Reused washers will leak.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Verify brake hose routing and clearances
   Before bleeding, verify the brake hose has proper clearance from all suspension components, steering components, and the tire. Manually compress the suspension through its travel range and turn the wheel full lock in both directions if working on a steered axle. The hose must not contact anything or become stretched. Adjust routing in bracket if necessary.
10. 10

    Bleed rear brake caliper
    Attach clear tubing to the brake bleeder screw on the rear caliper and submerge the other end in a container with clean DOT 3 brake fluid. Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal while you open the bleeder screw approximately one turn. Close the bleeder before the pedal reaches the floor. Repeat this process until fluid flows with no air bubbles. Check and top off the brake fluid reservoir frequently during bleeding to prevent introducing more air.
    ⚠️Never allow brake fluid reservoir to run empty during bleeding or air will be introduced into the entire system.
    ⚠Assistant must not release brake pedal while bleeder screw is open or air will be drawn back into system.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Check for leaks
    With the bleeder screw closed, have your assistant apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal and hold. Carefully inspect the banjo bolt connection at the caliper and the hard line connection at the bracket for any signs of brake fluid leakage. Wipe connections dry with a clean rag first, then observe while pedal pressure is maintained. Any leakage requires immediate correction before proceeding.
    ⚠️Any brake fluid leakage indicates a failed connection that will cause brake failure. Do not proceed until leak is corrected.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Clean the wheel hub mounting surface and reinstall the rear wheel. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern, but do not fully torque yet. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid
2. Reinstall brake fluid reservoir cap securely
3. Clean any spilled brake fluid from painted surfaces, suspension components, and wheels
4. Store old brake hose and copper washers for proper disposal

Verification

• With engine running (for power brake assist), pump brake pedal several times and verify firm pedal feel with no sponginess
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area to verify proper brake function before returning to normal driving
• Re-inspect all brake hose connections for leaks after test drive
• Check brake fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Verify brake hose has no contact with suspension, steering, or tire through full range of motion
• If brake pedal feels soft or spongy, the system requires additional bleeding - do not drive vehicle until corrected
• Monitor brake performance closely for the first several miles of driving

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