Seven problems related to brake hoses, lines/piping, and fittings have been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Ford 1997 Explorer brake line failed. On my car last year and my friends this year. Dangerous.
Brakes failed while backing up due to a hole rusted in the rear steel brake line that runs from the left rear wheel caliper to the right rear caliper. Lost all braking. Towed to Ford dealer for service where brake line was replaced. Told by service manager problem is not uncommon. This is on a 1997 Ford Explorer with only 60,000 miles. I have the old brake line ,which has minimal surface rust except for the center area that is held by a retaining clip to the top of the differential housing. I feel this is not a normal event and is not acceptable and was surprised to be told this failure is not uncommon! I had to spend $283. 00 plus a towing fee to have a problem corrected, that I feel is a premature failure. I at first expected to find a blown caliper or a brake hose split, not a rusted out brake line. I do have the old brake line in my possession.
Brake failure leaving personnel residence (noted above). Rear steal brake line burst leaking brake fluid and DE-mobilizing brake system (pedal went to the floor, stopped the vehicle with emergency brake). Leak was in the middle of the vehicle. Brake line between the rear axle and spare tire. Brake line was rusted away. Local repair shop replaced the line.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. He stated that in 2004 while the vehicle was parked he noticed transmission fluid leaking from the vehicle at 50,000 miles. A local mechanic stated that the brake lines were corroded. The mechanic replaced the brake line system for $880. 00. In December of 2009, while driving the vehicle he noticed that the rear brakes were failing off of the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the rear brake line was corroded. The rear brake line was replaced for $135 00. The manufacturer took a report, but no assistance or call back was offered. The current and the failure mileage was 83,000. Updated 2/17/10.
1997 Ford Explorer developed two failures of the brake line. ** answer required***. The consumers wife experienced a loss of brakes due to the failure of the brake line above the rear axle. The incident happened a second time, but there was no accident, both failures were caused by corrosion.
While driving down a canyon lost all brake power and fluid. Brake pedal went to floor. Also, vent hose came out of rear differential, laying on top of brake line, and wore a hole in line. Please add VIN. A worn hole in the rubber brake line caused the failure.
Fuel line broke which is located near exaust system manifold. Consumer is very concerned for safety. The fuel line bracket broke at the bracket on the left hand side of the engine by the valve cover, this was found be the strong smell of gas while the a/c was on.