Joe Boulay

I was asked this question as to why it costs so much in labor to replace brake lines. Well the simple answer is that it is a miserable job for a mechanic to replace them. You might be able to tell by the pile of rusty lines pictured that I just replaced.  It is kind of like when the pipes freeze in your home, you fix one pipe and another one leaks! I suggest that if you have a vehicle that is prone to brake line failure , that you have them all replaced with stainless steel lines, or something comparable.  There is a brake line out there now that I like to use it is made with a copper nickel compound that is much easier to work with and it wont rust.  Not to mention it takes a lot less time and in turn saves you money in labor. Some auto makers have greatly improved their brake lines and fuel lines and hopefully they will last as long as the engine and transmissions. If you have a vehicle that needs brake lines, or fuel lines  to be replaced you might want to check to see what your vehicle is worth. It might not be worth the investment.

Nice pile of rusty brake lines!