I've searched this forum for answers with no luck, but this seems like it would be a relatively common problem, so I apologize in advance if I'm being repetitious. I'm looking to replace the break lines on an 87 trans am (4 wheel disc), and I've talked to Summit, Classic Tube, Right Stuff Detailing, and a few others, with no luck. Classic Tube said he has a kit for an 86, but isn't sure if it will fit 87. I called NAPA and a local parts store and they both said the master cylinder, calipers, and hoses are the same from 82-92, so the 86 kit should work on an 87. The guy from classic tube gave me the part number for the 86 hard line kit (CA1048-ss), which I found, and the Braided hose (SBH6151), which I could not find.

The guy from Right Stuff Detailing said I need to find out if I have 1st design or 2nd design ABS, and if I have heavy duty or light duty rear axle lines. He told me to check the GM VIN identification website, but nothing I found dealt with the breaks or lines. Is this information I need to know?

 

Lines from around 83 or 84 through 88 should all be the same for your car. The hose kit should be four line (two at the front, one at the diff, one at the rear pass side).

JamesC

 

Right: in 84 the lines changed from SAE to metric and then were essentially the same up through 88. In 89 the only major change was the rear discs going from Saginaw to PBR which affects the rubber lines but none of the hard lines except for the ones on the axle.

You don't have ABS so that's not an issue.

Factory routing may be slightly different or some such. As far as hooking up to everything, they should be the same however.

 

Great, thanks for the help!

 

I started removing the front right break line, and found that it runs between the frame and the oil pan to the master cylinder. Looks like you have to pull the d*mn motor to get at the clamp. Anyone come across this?

 

Yup, everyone of these cars are like that.

 

Haha ok. Are there any tips or tricks to getting the lines out and back in, or do you have to pull the engine?

 

Doesn't have to be "pulled"; just lifted an inch or so. (at least, when I've done it before)