Bursting Brake Line

[APUK]

I had front brake pads replaced at a garage specialising in tyre/exhaust/brake pad replacements. When the job was completed and the mechanic was in the car pumping the brake pedal, the steel brake line in the rear of the car burst and the brake fluid began leaking out the faulty line. The car had the original brake lines and had been previously serviced in Toyota garages. Needless to say, I was relieved that the weakness was exposed in a garage rather then on the road!

With the car stranded at that garage (it's a weekend), I'm attempting to find information about parts ahead of decisions to be made next week. Questions:

- where can I find diagrams of the brake line assembly for an Avensis 2008? I'm trying to understand the parts involved and where if any joins occur to get an idea of what needs to be replaced.

- are brake lines sold as prefabricated assemblies (aka a part or kit), or typically fabricated on the spot for the rear brake lines? I'm asking this question as my search has not yet resulted in any satisfactory results (i.e.. Toyota official E-bay sight, 3rd party parts)

- as the Toyota genuine lines have failed catastrophically, what are the alternatives, their advantages/disadvantages?

- why does Toyota use steel for the brake line, a material that is volatile to corrosion on an component essential to road safety?

Where does one go to get accurate/relevant information online to assist in solving a practical problem with an out of action Toyota?

[gazza1286]

The rigid pipe running from the engine bay to the rear flexi will need replacing. Most mechanics will make the pipes up on-site using a roll of pipe cut to length and bent to fit a particular vehicle. The pipe used is malleable and corrosion proof and will last the life of the car.

It's likely that the garage will recommend replacing both sides at the same time which will probably make sense.

Parts will cost less than £20. The labour will be around 3 hours for a garage with a vehicle lift. A Toyota specialist isn't required as the brake setup is fairly universal.

DIY is doable if you fancy wrestling a snake with the car on jack stands.

Because the original pipes are so hard (and inaccessible) a joint cannot easily be created so patching the offending section of pipe really isn't an option (or advisable) but it can be done.

[APUK]

Thanks gazza1286. Having seen the condition of both lines with the help of a vehicle lift, both braked lines do need to be replaced. Thanks for your input as it helps to have the thoughts of a independent party--and one bearing the emblem of the Lone Star State to boot.