How to Replace a Fuel Line the Right Way (+Costs) (2024)

A fuel hose or line can break due to age, rust formation, or damage from an accident. When that happens, it can reduce your gas mileage or even cause a fire.

So, if you’ve spotted a fuel leak, you shouldn’t delay the replacement.
However, a fuel line repair procedure isn’t a walk in the park.

Keep reading to explore how a professional mechanic will replace a fuel line and how much they may charge for it. We’ll also look at some red flags that can help spot a bad fuel line early.

This Article Contains

• How to Replace a Fuel Line: A General Know-How
• How Much Does a Fuel Line Repair Cost?
• 4 FAQs on Fuel Lines
  • What Are the Different Types of Fuel Lines?
  • What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Line?
  • Can You Drive with a Bad Fuel Line?
  • How Long Does a Fuel Line Last?

How to Replace a Fuel Line: A General Know-How

IMPORTANT: Fuel line replacement involves dealing with dangerous fuel vapors. You need technical knowledge and special tools to ensure safety. This is especially true if you have fragile plastic or nylon fuel lines. That’s why you should ask an expert for help instead.

Here’s how they will replace your car’s fuel line:

Step 1: Release the Pressure in the Fuel System

The mechanic will locate the car’s fuse box and start the vehicle. While the car is running, they’ll pull the fuel pump fuse from the box to release high pressure from the fuel system.

Next, they’ll turn the engine off and disconnect the car battery to avoid any electrical sparks.

Step 2: Prep for Replacement

They’ll park the car in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources to prevent any risk of fire from the fuel vapors. Then, they’ll use a floor jack to lift the vehicle and secure it using jack stands.

Step 3: Locate the Fuel Line

The mechanic will look for the fuel filter (a cylindrical fitting) located either under the hood (near the engine compartment) or near the gas tank at the rear of your vehicle. Locating the fuel filter is important as the fuel lines run through it.

Note: In some older vehicles, a steel fuel line runs from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Whereas some other cars have shorter hoses that connect the steel tubing to the fuel pump, gas tank, and carburetor. To be sure, your mechanic will refer to your car’s manual for the correct location.

Step 4: Detach the Faulty Line

The mechanic will place a drain pan or rag cloth under the fuel filter and line to catch any spills. They’ll unscrew the mounting bolts that secure a plastic shield over the fuel filter.

Next, they’ll use a screwdriver or a wrench to loosen each hose clamp on the fuel line and disconnect the hose from the fuel rail.

Step 5: Install the New Fuel Line

They’ll place a new hose clamp around the new fuel line and reattach each end of the line into the fuel rail.

If the new hose is long, they’ll use the tubing cutter to shorten it. Next, they’ll tighten the clamps with a screwdriver and secure the filter’s plastic shield with mounting bolts.

Step 6: Reconnect the Battery and Repressurize the System

They’ll now access the engine compartment to reconnect the car battery and attach the fuel pump fuse to your car’s fuse box. Then, they’ll start the car to repressurize the fuel system, which will restart the fuel flow through the new line.

Step 7: Perform a Final Inspection

They’ll carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground. While wrapping up, they’ll also ensure there’s no other fuel leak that needs repair.

Wondering how much this repair procedure will cost you?
Let’s find out.

How Much Does a Fuel Line Repair Cost?

If you have just one or two bad fuel lines, it might cost around $150 to $500. But if you have more lines to fix, the replacement costs can range anywhere from $150 to $2,000.

This includes:

• Cost of parts: $10 and $430
• Cost of labor: $140 to $190

The costs also depend on your vehicle model, the parts and special tools required, as well as local labor charges.

Want to know more about fuel lines?
We’ve got you covered.

4 FAQs on Fuel Lines

Here’s some additional information on fuel lines that might interest you:

1. What Are the Different Types of Fuel Lines?

A few common types of fuel lines you’ll find in the market are:

1. Metal: This hard line is made up of aluminum or steel. It’s highly durable, resistant to wear and tear, and compatible with most fuel types.

2. Rubber: This hose is also called a flex hose as it’s easy to install and flexible. Unlike the metal line, a rubber hose is more fragile and less compatible with fuels like ethanol-blended ones.

3. Braided: This fuel line is made of either metal or synthetic fiber braid wrapped around a rubber core. A braided line is slightly more flexible than a metal line and is compatible with most fuels.

4. Nylon: A nylon fuel line is long-lasting, flexible, and easier to install than a metal hard line.

5. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): This flex hose is made of synthetic fluoropolymer coated with a layer of braided stainless steel. It’s highly resistant to wear and chemical exposure, making it compatible with most fuels.

Note: Steel lines and PTFE-lined lines are more expensive than a braided line, nylon fuel line, and rubber hose.

2. What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Line?

Some signs of failing fuel lines that you shouldn’t take lightly include:

1. A strong smell of fuel around your vehicle
2. Black, yellow, or brown puddles under your car
3. Sudden loss of car’s engine power
4. Poor gas mileage that may indicate low fuel pressure in the fuel system

3. Can You Drive with a Bad Fuel Line?

Driving with a bad fuel line is dangerous — as even a small fuel leak can cause an explosion or a fire.

It can also affect your car’s overall performance, create hazardous smoke, cause issues in the fuel injection system, and damage other important parts.

4. How Long Does a Fuel Line Last?

Fuel lines can last between 50,000 and 75,000 miles or 10 years, depending on the use, local weather, corrosion, and gradual wear and tear. Its lifespan also depends on the type of line you use.

For example, steel lines last longer than plastic fuel lines due to their durability. However, cleaning the fuel lines and getting routine services can help extend their lifespans.

Get Your Bad Fuel Lines Fixed with AutoNation Mobile Service

If a fuel hose cracks and starts leaking, it’ll affect fuel delivery or, worse, can start a fire. That’s why you should get it fixed as soon as you spot a red flag.

Wondering if you’ll reach the garage safely with a leaky line?
Don’t worry! Our mechanics from AutoNation Mobile Service will come to you.