How long do brake lines last?

[MidwestKITT]

How long can I expect the brake lines/tubes to last?

I have an '83 Trans Am that has the original brake lines/tubes. They have surface rust, just like the undercarriage, but I don't know how long I can expect them to hold pressure. At 28+ years, am I living on borrowed time?

The hoses are original, and I plan on changing them. The lines could be done then, if necessary. But I don't want to spend the time if not necessary.
Thanks!!

 

[melsg5]

go carefully over the lines with a screwdriver checking for soft spots. Surface rust is of no concern. I have a 71 GTO and all lines are original except the one going across the rear axle.

 

[MidwestKITT]

It's the rear axle that I'm wondering about. The others aren't rusty. I had thought about using a narrow sanding belt, wrapping it around the tube and trying to clean off the loose stuff. But the tubes snake around to get to the calipers and that may be a lot of hassle.

Did you change the rear tubes because they were leaking or for looks? or ??
Thanks

 

[melsg5]

the rear tube developed a leak so it had to be replaced. Again unless you find a soft spot in the lines dont waste your money and time changing them.

______________________________

 

[MidwestKITT]

I looked better at them last night. The tubes look pretty good, it is the spring wires wound around them that are rusty. I'm thinking of maybe wire brushing the loose rust and "painting" them with a rust encapsulator. That's probably overkill, but it may increase the life of the tubes.
Thanks

 

[melsg5]

good idea

 

[Hamilton North]

I probably wouldn't do anything to clean or poke at the lines that might scratch off any remaining anti-corrosion coating, but if a line is already corroded I guess it wouldn't hurt to clean it off with a Scotchbrite pad, then paint with one of those special anti-rust coatings. I wouldn't change them until I had a problem either.