Help with brake issue!

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Nov 15, 2003 | 08:45 PM

rsafier

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Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2003

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From: OH

Help with brake issue!

Okay so I started my brake upgrade today. stainless steel lines, new Vette Brake slotted rotors, and some Carbotech pads. Everything was going smoothly, got it up on jackstands, got the caliper bolts off really easy. Disconnected the line to the caliper, then went to disconnect the rubber hose from the metal line. PROBLEM. Damn thing didn't move, and then when I applied a little more force, stripped. I had it soaking in WD40 for the night before.
So what can I do? I really need the car out of the middle of the garage by tomorrow, so need to get it back together. I could keep the rubber lines, but don't want to go back again. Also don't want to force the metal line to the point of braking, I don't even want to imagine how much time and effort replacing that would be.
So any suggestions on how to remove rubber line fitting after it is partially stripped and doesn't seem to want to budge at all? Could the threads have rusted together? If so any way to fix that other then replacing the metal lines?

thanks

Nov 15, 2003 | 09:28 PM

jackdaroofer

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Re: Help with brake issue! (rsafier)

You are talking about disconnecting the rubber brake hoses from the steel lines at the point where the rubber ones meet the metal at the braces/ clips on the chassis?

Just want to be sure we are at the same place :D

If I remember correctly, at that junction, rubber hoses are female connection and metal tube is male.

Important thing is to prevent twisting of the metal tube, I hate to say this now, but a tubing wrench on the metal side and a tubing wrench on the rubber side might have prevented your dillemma.

At this point,you can use vise grips on the rubber side, but I would strongly suggest that you use a tube wrench on the metal side.

If you have a propane torch, heat the junction and let it cool before applying pressure.

This is one of those "OH poopie" situations that require patience and forethought!

Take your time and think it through!

:seeya

Nov 15, 2003 | 11:32 PM

JCAIRE2

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 6,097

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From: High Plains Drifter Fayetteville, AR

Re: Help with brake issue! (jackdaroofer)

I'm with Jack. Use a torch to heat it up and spray it with some WD40, it'll get sucked into the fitting and hopefully be really easy to remove afterwards.

Nov 16, 2003 | 12:00 AM

rsafier

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2003

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From: OH

Re: Help with brake issue! (jackdaroofer)

Quote:

You are talking about disconnecting the rubber brake hoses from the steel lines at the point where the rubber ones meet the metal at the braces/ clips on the chassis?

Yep, thats the one. I will try that tomorrow.

Nov 16, 2003 | 10:58 AM

sraft

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 983

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From: Bergen County NJ

Re: Help with brake issue! (rsafier)

Quote:

I had it soaking in WD40 for the night before.

Also don't want to force the metal line to the point of braking, I don't even want to imagine how much time and effort replacing that would be.
So any suggestions on how to remove rubber line fitting after it is partially stripped and doesn't seem to want to budge at all? Could the threads have rusted together? If so any way to fix that other then replacing the metal lines?

thanks

1) WD40 isn't really a rust penetrant. I would recommend that you get a can of PB Blaster - it works really well. Spray it on and give it some time to soak in. Repeated soakings tend to work better. I concur with the other statements about using a propane torch.

2) I know you said that it has to be out of the garage soon, but this is the kind of job in which you cannot be impatient and force things. I've learned this the hard way. I twisted the metal brake line and had to splice in about a 3-foot section of brake line to correct my screw-up. Even that repair was half-assed, I really should have replaced the entire line back to the master cylinder. Luckily i didn't do this on the vette.

good luck

Nov 16, 2003 | 01:57 PM

vinnies87

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Magnolia Mississippi

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Re: Help with brake issue! (sraft)

:iagree:

Nov 16, 2003 | 03:12 PM

rsafier

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2003

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From: OH

Re: Help with brake issue! (vinnies87)

Well tried the PB Blaster and a torch, no luck. Luckily I hadn't damaged the rubber line itself so just reassemled with the old stock lines. Ran into other problems during this install. My Carbotech pads had extra metal that prevented them from fitting on the outboard side. Nothing a Dermal couldn't fix. Just got it all reattached, bleed, and bedded the new pads. Have to say they bite really well, feel like stock until they get warmed up, then all I can say is WOW! Still wish I could have gotten the metal lines on, perhaps I will make another attempt when I have more time.
Thanks for the suggestions, will have to work on this when I get more time.