I live in Florida, own a 98 4x4 Navigator, no snow of salt here. Last week the left front brake flex hose broke clean off, pissed out all fluid and had ZERO brakes, very scary!! After investigating I found that the crimp (nearest to caliper) actually rusted out completely. I then checked the right side and ditto. There is a rubber protector sleeve that covers this crimp. It appears to be a design flaw where when the wheel spins (wet weather) water will accumulate in between the rubber protector and the crimp causing it to rust out. I inspected my 2000 F150 and it does not have this rubber protector, thus, no issue. I don't think there is a recall on this and there should be!! My navigator has never seen snow or salt, and it took 11 years for this to happen. Folks who live in the north may experience brake failure much sooner.

So, WARNING, check your front flex brake lines (ASAP) to the caliper for signs of rust. You can stick a pointed object in between the rubber protector (and crimp) to see if the crimp is rusty. Expedition owners may have the same issue too.

 

Hey Cg22 I'm in the North burbs of Chicago in the Rust Belt due to the salt used for melting the snow. Had that same issue a few years back on the way home from work,Flex hose rusted at the crimp under the rubber sleeve and
yes the other side was rusty as all getout and I replaced it a few days later.
I've replaced a a few for friends and coworkers,