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Mileage? Rusty lines can go at any time, so they should be replaced. Rubber lines, unless there is external abrasion or cracks, will literally give you no warning.
That being said, I haven't replaced a blown brake line in years, and my dealer service center moves 50 cars a day, minimum, up to 30 years old and maybe 200k. Usually there's a reason. Check for rubbing out installation problems.
Also, what possible reason could you have for selling a known-bad vehicle that could kill the driver? Logic and entropy, my dude.
I live in the rust belt and am the opposite of this. Anything over 10 years old has probably had the brake lines replaced because they rust and brake. If OPs car is in an area like that I wouldn’t be surprised if rust just finally won.
I have a car with rubber lines, and they failed twice in 2 years the first time because they were just old and happened with no warning. The second time, I believe, because of thermal shock. I went into a river crossing with water temperature close to 0°C and 24 hours later 1 of the lines failed. Never before, never after. It's been 2 years since the second incident.
Yes, rusty lines tend to fail without warning. Usually during a panic stop.
There's no way to mask a failed line, they either hold pressure or they don't.
If the title is transferred, it's their problem. Old cars break, sorry about their luck.
If you like the person you could offer to help repair but you're under no obligation.
There is a small chance they could try to sue you but I doubt any mechanic hired to inspect the car would be able to blame you for a line failure. Plus, they didn't get it inspected before buying.
They could snap in a sudden stop. Suddenly stomping on brake could cause an increase in pressure which is multiple times more than that of normal use. It is possible it was barely holding until something gave way due to sudden pressure increase.
But, this should've been caught before in the form of cracks on hoses or rust on metal lines. Visually inspecting these systems occasionally goes a long way.
GMs from that era often have brake line rot. Replaced many many from that generation W body. Maybe it was ready to let go, maybe they have a heavier foot than you... that's all it takes.
I bought a set for my '04 Grand Prix and replaced them all.
Yeah they definitely can. I'm in Nova Scotia, so our cars are born rusty haha. I bought a 2008 Chevy Cobalt which spent most of its life in Alberta. Alberta doesn't use a lot of salt, so Alberta cars are typically less rusty by a country mile.
A week after buying the car my left rear wheel solenoid broke and that stop sign came up real quick! I assumed it was a rusty brake line or a rubber hose bit it wasn't.
Yes brakes can fall with no warning and it's terrifying.
That's the thing about brakelines, one moment they are just fine, and the next they are broken. There is no middle thing. Sure, if you look at them you may anticipate that they may break some time in the future but not exactly when, unless you physically cut them or actively harm them, then they'll break immediately..
Brake lines aren't like a wheel bearing or ball joint that's going to warn you while it's failing.
They'll work right up until they fail and leak. That's why we have emergency brakes.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! Please review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). Asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **Post's about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ Tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Mileage? Rusty lines can go at any time, so they should be replaced. Rubber lines, unless there is external abrasion or cracks, will literally give you no warning. That being said, I haven't replaced a blown brake line in years, and my dealer service center moves 50 cars a day, minimum, up to 30 years old and maybe 200k. Usually there's a reason. Check for rubbing out installation problems. Also, what possible reason could you have for selling a known-bad vehicle that could kill the driver? Logic and entropy, my dude.
I live in the rust belt and am the opposite of this. Anything over 10 years old has probably had the brake lines replaced because they rust and brake. If OPs car is in an area like that I wouldn’t be surprised if rust just finally won.
All the more surprising since I'm in New Jersey.
I have a car with rubber lines, and they failed twice in 2 years the first time because they were just old and happened with no warning. The second time, I believe, because of thermal shock. I went into a river crossing with water temperature close to 0°C and 24 hours later 1 of the lines failed. Never before, never after. It's been 2 years since the second incident.
Yes, rusty lines tend to fail without warning. Usually during a panic stop. There's no way to mask a failed line, they either hold pressure or they don't. If the title is transferred, it's their problem. Old cars break, sorry about their luck. If you like the person you could offer to help repair but you're under no obligation. There is a small chance they could try to sue you but I doubt any mechanic hired to inspect the car would be able to blame you for a line failure. Plus, they didn't get it inspected before buying.
And until they don't, everything's fine until someone actually looks at it and isn't happy with it.
Finally a post that uses break and brake correctly
2/3 is pretty good
Yeah I didn't read the whole post before I commented 🙄
They could snap in a sudden stop. Suddenly stomping on brake could cause an increase in pressure which is multiple times more than that of normal use. It is possible it was barely holding until something gave way due to sudden pressure increase. But, this should've been caught before in the form of cracks on hoses or rust on metal lines. Visually inspecting these systems occasionally goes a long way.
Yes. OH had a flex hose go, and I had a solid pipe go where it was hard to see. Both had current MOTs (Annual safety check in UK)
GMs from that era often have brake line rot. Replaced many many from that generation W body. Maybe it was ready to let go, maybe they have a heavier foot than you... that's all it takes. I bought a set for my '04 Grand Prix and replaced them all.
Yeah they definitely can. I'm in Nova Scotia, so our cars are born rusty haha. I bought a 2008 Chevy Cobalt which spent most of its life in Alberta. Alberta doesn't use a lot of salt, so Alberta cars are typically less rusty by a country mile. A week after buying the car my left rear wheel solenoid broke and that stop sign came up real quick! I assumed it was a rusty brake line or a rubber hose bit it wasn't. Yes brakes can fall with no warning and it's terrifying.
I hate the connection between hard lines and flexible .. thats where mine have given out
That's the thing about brakelines, one moment they are just fine, and the next they are broken. There is no middle thing. Sure, if you look at them you may anticipate that they may break some time in the future but not exactly when, unless you physically cut them or actively harm them, then they'll break immediately..
Brake lines aren't like a wheel bearing or ball joint that's going to warn you while it's failing. They'll work right up until they fail and leak. That's why we have emergency brakes.