Rep Power: 0

I recently had the brake light switch on my 2001 Civic replaced. However, right after I left the mechanic, maybe a mile and a half away, when I was shifting my weight to put my wallet away at the drive-through of a fast-food restaurant, the brake pedal lost its oomph, and I had to push the pedal all the way to the floor to get the car to stop.

So, I drove back to the mechanic, whereupon it was discovered that my brake line had broken and the fluid had splurted all over the engine compartment.

I admit that I am not an expert, so I have a number of questions about this incident.

First, is there any way that this could be the result of some mistake in the brake light switch repair? They say that it isn’t, and their explanation makes sense (replacing the switch doesn’t involve the brake lines at all), but I would like something of a second opinion on this.

Second, the cost to replace the brake lines, and also the fuel lines, that they quoted me was 2,869$. Is this price reasonable? Is it common to replace the fuel lines with the brake lines? It seems very high.

Third, if you were me, would you get this repair, or is it time for me to say goodbye to my old friend and get a new car?

 
Rep Power: 126

If that pricing is accurate (I’m honestly not sure), I 100% would look into buying a different car.

 
Rep Power: 222

The brake switch repair is not related to the brake lines failing. The brake and fuel lines run right next to each other and if the brake lines failed the fuel lines probably aren't in great shape. The cost is high because it is a very labour intensive job. You could do it yourself in the driveway for a few hundred dollars. I've done it on 2 civics

 
Rep Power: 0

I see. They were also saying that the price was high the lines are not readily available any more and that they needed to have them custom made.

 
Rep Power: 222

Yeah they'll most likely make them from scratch. So again for like $3-500 you can do it yourself in the driveway

 
Rep Power: 0

I'm not sure I trust myself to fix something like that on my own, not in the least because I do not, in fact, have a driveway. Still, I appreciate helping me out with all this.

 
Rep Power: 0

Find another shop for quote.
Even you have to make the brake line from scratch, it's not that difficult.

For OEM honda part#, check this
https://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com...s--brake-lines

 
Rep Power: 518

If you had a metal brake line fail, the car probably spent a lot of time in the rust and salt belt.
I'm guessing the leaking line is below the master, maybe attached to the proportioning valve...All the brake lines in the area probably need replaced due to rust.
Brake failures can be fatal. Glad yours wasn't...But it easily could have failed during a panic stop.
Inspect ALL the lines front to rear, take care of anything that seems questionable at the same time.
Be ready for more than was immediately obvious, such as needing flex hoses and wheel cylinders......because rusted parts seize.
CHECK ALL 4 BLEEDER SCREWS will come loose before you start your parts list. Gotta bleed all 4 corners after the lines are on, so make sure they will come loose now.

I can fab my own lines if necessary, I can do steel lines but now I love using CuNi because it's softer and far easier to work with than steel.

 
Rep Power: 0

I know it's been a while, but I did want to thank everyone for their comments. After consideration, I decided to sell the vehicle, and purchase a new one, and so, I am now a member of the 10th generation.