An elementary question...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,625
Likes: 4
From: Director of Bands
St. Jude Donor '08
An elementary question...
Okay, at the risk of sounding like a complete novice (cause I am...):
Scenario: changing out brake MC. Would you attack the brake line fittings with PB blaster before you even start as a preliminary caution? Will PB blaster soak into the brake lines and hurt anything? I have done several searches and it sounds like these things are really easy to round off, even with flare wrenches. I REALLY don't wanna go there...
TIA
-Ed
Scenario: changing out brake MC. Would you attack the brake line fittings with PB blaster before you even start as a preliminary caution? Will PB blaster soak into the brake lines and hurt anything? I have done several searches and it sounds like these things are really easy to round off, even with flare wrenches. I REALLY don't wanna go there...
TIA
-Ed
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
With my OEM rear calipers it took several applications of PB Blaster, a small section of pipe on the handle of my 1/4" socket and several taps with a small hammer to break the rear bleeders free.
The brake lines at the MC didn't require any persuading as there was no trace of corrosion.
The brake lines at the MC didn't require any persuading as there was no trace of corrosion.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Brisbane Queensland, Australia
Originally Posted by eschoendorff
Okay, at the risk of sounding like a complete novice (cause I am...):
Scenario: changing out brake MC. Would you attack the brake line fittings with PB blaster before you even start as a preliminary caution? Will PB blaster soak into the brake lines and hurt anything? I have done several searches and it sounds like these things are really easy to round off, even with flare wrenches. I REALLY don't wanna go there...
Scenario: changing out brake MC. Would you attack the brake line fittings with PB blaster before you even start as a preliminary caution? Will PB blaster soak into the brake lines and hurt anything? I have done several searches and it sounds like these things are really easy to round off, even with flare wrenches. I REALLY don't wanna go there...
I'd use penetrating spray (WD40, INOX, RP7 - insert whatever brand you have over there) and let it work for a day or so if possible; it shouldn't get into lines. Use the CORRECT size flare wrench and nothing else and you should have no probs. DO NOT EVER be tempted to use ANY other type of wrench or vice grip pliers; they WILL destroy your nuts (And won't help with brake line nuts either); been there recently; OH BOY!!!
Any residual garbage in lines should get flushed out anyway when you FLUSH (Not just bleed) brakes after you've installed the MC.
****Read also my recent posting on how to adjust carefully, the pushrod from brake pedal to MC; incorrect adjustment can destroy pads & rotors REAL quick (In my case in about 20 miles!)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 5
From: Howard PA
Dunno what 'PB Blaster' is but I assume brake cleaner spray?
Forget that WD40 or anything else, waste of money for breaking bolts loose.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Yes, go ahead and pre-soak them w/ PB. It won't hurt anything and can't get into the system as long as everything's tight. Once you get them cracked loose, wipe them off and then spray it with brake clean and wipe it off again. It'll be fine.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,625
Likes: 4
From: Director of Bands
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid NC
Yes, go ahead and pre-soak them w/ PB. It won't hurt anything and can't get into the system as long as everything's tight. Once you get them cracked loose, wipe them off and then spray it with brake clean and wipe it off again. It'll be fine.
That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks!!!!
I just bought the Craftsman "professional" line wrenches (no Snap On
because I am a teacher and don't have any $$$ 
). They sure do look pretty... hopefully they'll do the trick. Smacko:
As far as putting vice-grips or pliers on my nuts... my wife has threatened me before but damn! That's just sick!!!
I read your post on the pushrod adjustment. I am going to leave it alone until I know there is a problem. I have your post book marked in case I need to go there. thanks!!!
