Q: How to inspect, replace, and install flexible brake hoses and Brake Line on the Nissan Xterra?
A: About every six months, with the vehicle raised and supported on jackstands, inspect the rubber hoses connecting the steel brake lines with the front and rear brake assemblies for cracks, chafing of the outer cover, leaks, blisters, and other damages. If a hose exhibits any of these conditions, replace it. To replace the front flexible brake hose, loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and remove the wheel. At the bracket, unscrew the brake line fitting from the hose using a flare-nut wrench. Remove the U-clip from the female fitting at the bracket and pass the hose through it. On Pathfinder models, disconnect the hose from the strut bracket. At the caliper end, remove the inlet fitting bolt and separate the hose. Replace the two copper sealing washers. If working on a Pathfinder, route the hose through the bracket on the strut. Connect the fitting to the caliper with the inlet fitting bolt. Route the hose into the frame bracket, ensuring it isn't twisted, connect the brake line fitting, install the U-clip, and tighten the fitting. Bleed the caliper, install the wheel, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts. For the chassis-to-rear axle, raise the rear of the vehicle, block the front wheels, unscrew the brake line fitting from the hose at the chassis bracket, and remove the U-clip. At the axle end, unscrew the two brake line fittings, unscrew the bolt securing the fitting block to the axle housing, separate the lines from the fitting block, and remove the hose. To install, reverse the removal procedure and bleed both rear brakes. When replacing metal brake lines, use the correct parts. Avoid copper tubing. Steel brake lines can be purchased from dealers or auto parts stores. Prefabricated brake lines with flared tube ends and fittings can be bent to the proper shape using a tubing bender. After installation, ensure the new line is securely supported with adequate clearance from moving or hot components. Check the master cylinder fluid level, add fluid if necessary, bleed the brake system, and test the brakes before driving.