Four problems related to brake hoses, lines/piping, and fittings have been reported for the 1996 GMC Sierra. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The brake line above the gas tank rusted and failed while it was being driven. There was no forewarning of this and as it was above the gas tank, would not have been noticed. The gas tank had to be dropped and the brake line replaced. Thank goodness the vehicle stopped before rearending the vehicle in front of me and thank goodness my one year old wasn't in the vehicle at the time. Old part has been retained. Repair cost was $458. 21.
Complaint rusted brake lines to rear brakes in behind fuel tank.
Severe surface corrosion on rear brake line led to line bursting during an emergency stop to avoid a collision. Burst occured at ninety degree bend in line by bracket leading to the flexible line to rear axle. Surface corrosion appears along brake lines at other places. I think it is unusual that the brake lines on a seven year old vehicle would exhibit such severe corrosion. Unless you were looking for this you would not normally see it since the line runs inside the frame rail.
Battery acid leaked on the brake line. The acid ate through the brake line, causing brake fluid leakage. Driver experienced complete brake failure when this happened. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The brake lines were replaced under warranty.