Corroding brake pipes is quite a common problem.
I've seen 07/08 cars that need the pipes replacing, and the earlier ones are probably all getting close to that point now. Front pipes usually only corrode on the exposed loop by the brake flexi pipe - and this can be managed by spraying with some protection regularly. Rears can go anywhere from the lengths along the sill and up over the rear cross member. MOT's don't always see the corrosion if it's covered, hence the soft pedal.
Replacing the 2 rear pipes is not a huge job. There are existing connections behind the near side front wheel liner. The sill cover comes off (not always easy, but give the 4 plastic bolts a spray with penetrating oil and they do come undone). The fuel tank cover needs to come off (about 8 bolts, and 2 hard to reach nuts up near the propshaft - easy with a long extension bar), then feed the new pipe from the near side rear wheel up over the rear cross member and forwards to the front connector, before finishing the bending to fit.
The job is about 3.5 hours if you've done it before. Current:
- 2017 L405 3.0 V6 Autobiography
Sold:
- 2013 L405 4.4 TDV8 Vogue
- 2004 L322 4.4 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 2002 L322 4.4 HSE (having fixed timing chain guides)
- 2000 P38 4.6 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 1981 2-door In-Vogue
- 1980 Ex-Army SIII LWB
- 1976 SIII LWB
- 1968 SIIA
Stripped for parts:
- 2003 L322 4.4 Vogue
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