Flushing Brake System
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 198
Likes: 17
From: Raleigh, NC
Flushing Brake System
I am in the process of doing a frame off rebuild of my 65 convertible. The frame has been straightened, all the suspension bushings have been replaced, have installed a new set of Vansteel’s complete trailing arms, VBP’s HD Rear Camber Strut Rods, 3 inch half shafts with all new U-joints, new Eaton rear spring, new shocks and probably other things I can’t remember.
To finish the frame before installing the engine and transmission I am going to install new fuel and brake lines. I have 2 questions:
1 – back in 1982 when I had to rebuild the car after an accident (frame was not straightened correctly at that time) I installed new brake calipers that had the stainless steel inserts. The instructions said to use silicon DOT 5 fluid. In all this time I have never had a problem with the brakes…always rock hard. With the frame completely disassembled and the brake lines and calipers removed I assume that I will need to flush the dual master cylinder, splitter and the calipers in order to clean out anything that may have gotten into them while sitting on the shelf. What do I use that will not damage the seals, O rings and everything else that is inside them.
2 - The brake lines are 3/16 and I want to change to ¼ inch. Am I going to have to get some sort of reducers so I can fit them to the junction blocks, splitter, and master cylinder?
Thank you for your input. Mark
To finish the frame before installing the engine and transmission I am going to install new fuel and brake lines. I have 2 questions:
1 – back in 1982 when I had to rebuild the car after an accident (frame was not straightened correctly at that time) I installed new brake calipers that had the stainless steel inserts. The instructions said to use silicon DOT 5 fluid. In all this time I have never had a problem with the brakes…always rock hard. With the frame completely disassembled and the brake lines and calipers removed I assume that I will need to flush the dual master cylinder, splitter and the calipers in order to clean out anything that may have gotten into them while sitting on the shelf. What do I use that will not damage the seals, O rings and everything else that is inside them.
2 - The brake lines are 3/16 and I want to change to ¼ inch. Am I going to have to get some sort of reducers so I can fit them to the junction blocks, splitter, and master cylinder?
Thank you for your input. Mark
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
Well, I wouldn't change the line's size either even though GM eventually did. The 3/16" size works well. I would disassemble the calipers, inspect the pistons for corrosion (not that I think you will find any with the dot 5) and put in new lip seals/boots.
