Replace brake lines?

I'm wondering if I should replace the brake lines on my truck.

The ones that run to the Rears I can't say that I see any cracks in them or any of that, but they feel like really soft and super flexible almost like spongy.

On the steer axle the lines seem like regular Airlines would feel, but there's only two of them and they're not that large and I have them out to put the brake cans on.

I have the fifth wheel off still so it's a little easier to get to the back ones now.

Everything else involving the brakes is new, except for the valves themselves. The truck sat for about 5 years. The guys that had the truck before me only replaced the bare minimum of anything that was needed. I could believe those lines have a lot of time on them, but like I said visually they seem okay except that the back ones seem very soft.

Is it worth it to spend a couple hundred dollars and replace them now?

 

The thing that really has me questioning it is the softness of the lines.

I thought Airlines were the same as fuel lines in that they have braided wire with a protective fabric over them.

These feel like they are 100% pure rubber with no reinforcement. Like a thicker heater hose.

I guess I better just replace them and be done with it I'll feel better.

 

Well the guys I got the truck from I think just were not good on maintenance at all. They had different brake Chambers on each side I think they had different slack adjusters and none of the pushrods were cut at the right length and each one was different side to side, and I'm sure that those lines have been on there forever.

So I had some other lines I was going to have made up so I took the brake lines off. When I got them off I saw they were all different lengths. I'm thinking what the hell? The valve is in the center, at least they should have pairs that are the same length.

And then exactly as you said. I looked at one of those lines and it was a little effing line. So I went over to the old brake can and sure as Shinola they had a little tiny fitting on it. I don't know what the hell those guys were thinking.

As much as I hate to spend any more money before I get started, I'm going to replace every one of those lines. Then everything will be new except for the valves.

It just amazes me what some people do. And they were a small Fleet and they've had trucks for many years. You would think they would know better.

 

Is there a standard size brake fitting for the 30-30 Maxie's and the type 30 service Chambers?

Or do I just bring the old fittings to the hydraulic hose place and they'll get me the right size for the half inch lines?