Four problems related to brake hoses, lines/piping, and fittings have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Rear metal brake line, running across rear axle, ruptured due to extensive corrosion. This resulted in complete loss of rear brakes. A new metal brake line had to be fabricated [part was not available from Ford]and installed. Dealer cost $400+. Note: several Ford dealers and brake shops advised that this is a common problem due to the fact that these brake lines were not properly coated to guard against corrosion.
The rear brake line broke due to corrosion.
1998 Ford Explorer had brake failure due to the brake fluid eating through the metal. When the brakes failed, the consumer hit another vehicle. The brake line was made of metal and had a hole in it.
When attempting to stop, the bakes failed. The dealer stated that the brake line corroded. No impact reported. The non corroding steel brake line rusted and ruptured.