Hi,

95 Camry 296k miles and newer engine put in years ago.

Need a RI inspection soon. Mechanic said brake lines / fuel are rusted and will not pass. He said brakes are fine although I hear a metal sound from back brakes. He also said the power steering rack and lines are leaking which I knew.

We only drive 20 miles a week. I'm fine with power steering leak. Dealing with it for years. Not worth fixing.

My question is about brake/ fuel lines. Can these be fully replaced or mostly without dropping fuel tank?

Ideally, I would like to fix lines ,spray Rust-Oleum on undercarriage and get one more inspection cycle out of this car. Is this possible for a few hundred ( under 500-600) hundred dollars?

There is rust in undercarriage but I don't see any structural issues.

Thanks in advance for your advice !

 

Correction 206k miles. Thanks

 

Suppose if one had good access to under the car for room to work) one could change the fuel lines without dropping the tank. There is an access cover to the top of the tank under the lower seat cushion. Remove the cushion then an oval steel plate. This will allow access the top of the tank where the fuel pump is installed and fuel line connections to disconnect them. Dropping the tank is easy enough provided the hold up strap fittings are not rusted tight.

 

Thanks. Do you think I can get a backyard mechanic to replace fuel , brake lines and spray Rust-Oleum on undercarriage for 500-600 bucks?

I'm in RI.

Thanks

 

You might post at the Toyotanation.com website in the appropriate model section with your situation. Which is your in RI (include city) and need to have a few brake lines replaced plus the fuel line. I assume? rust being a problem in your area along with the inspection issue someone might have been down this road before.

Start out by finding out which lines needs replacing as any mechanic will need to be able to obtain them. Not sure Toyota sells these parts anymore but one check online. After market pars makers would still make them and assume wholesale and retail parts outlets sell them. Try NAPA parts.

GUESSING parts will cost under $200. The repair process will be reasonable in time IF the brake end fitting are not frozen together solid from rust. As such your $500-600 has a good cushion. For Rust-Oleum I have used spray cans.

On a side bar note are you sure the lines are bad? Perhaps another shop might pass them.

 

Thanks so much!

 

There is metal clicking ( not grinding) noise coming from driver's side rear brake when pressed hard.

I drove backwards hoping it may need to be reset to no avail.
Do you think this noise is coming from inside drum? Or from axle ?

Thanks again

 

What engine model, V6 or 4 cylinder? The 4 cylinder had rear drum brakes.

Apply the brake and find out what happens. Also try applying the emergency brake,

Can you remove the tire to inspect the area or jack the tire up off the ground to check for excess axle play and rotate the tire?

Sometimes a rock can get into the hub cap or the tire itself has a defect .