BobCasteel
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
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From: New Jersey
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St. Jude Donor '25
You could replace the brake lines at the calipers for stainless steel, that is a popular "mod".
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Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Florida
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There’s a bunch of 20 year old brake lines driving around. That said perhaps take it to your local brake guy and have them inspected. It’s a good idea to have your brake fluid flushed if it’s discolored or original. Flush means the guys run a quart or so through the lines to remove ALL the old fluid. Good luck.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I would at least have the lines inspected for signs of wear/deterioration. I would also change the brake fluid.
Congrats on your C5 purchase.
Congrats on your C5 purchase.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
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I have a 2002 with 12,000 miles on it that I have owned for several years. If like most of the ultra low milage cars you see, they have been kept inside and driven on sunny days. My experience with several of them that they tend to have few problems caused by erosion or aging if they have been driven occasionally.
Over the years I have changed a long list of parts and fluids. Truthfully, I think most of the money spent was wasted but it is a hobby! I have suffered almost no unexpected failures and you will be surprised how strong these cars really are. I have had a large number of the C5's and they have been the least problematic of the other models I have owned.
Good luck with the new toy!
Over the years I have changed a long list of parts and fluids. Truthfully, I think most of the money spent was wasted but it is a hobby! I have suffered almost no unexpected failures and you will be surprised how strong these cars really are. I have had a large number of the C5's and they have been the least problematic of the other models I have owned.
Good luck with the new toy!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
I also found that a GOOD set of flare nut wrenches are essential for the job. I started out using an inexpensive set of Craftsman wrenches, from Lowes, and I just couldn't get them to seal. While I was struggling with this, a friend and his son stopped in to say, "Hi", and offered to help. Chris, the son, is an auto tech by trade, and just happened to have some of his tools with him, as he had been working on a job at home. He whipped out his Snap On line wrench, and really leaned on it, and the lines sealed up nicely. Possibly, under pressure, the Craftsman wrenches were flexing, if that's possible....
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
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From: Western NY
Brake fluid should be flushed every few years, but most folks never do it, especially on daily drivers. It's easy and cheap to do and will help keep your brakes working their best. If the fluid is dark, it's definitely time. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, becoming darker, and making it less effective
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
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From: NW OH
I did that last year, and did experience what I felt to be, a firmer brake pedal. HOWEVER, I went with the Russel brand of hoses, and found that you really need to tighten the hoses with considerable torque, at the end of the hoses, where they meet up with the hard lines. I had some trouble getting them tight enough so that they wouldn't "seep" when the pedal was firmly pressed.
I heard the same complaint on goodridge lines. The hose is fine but the fitting is hot garbage to get connected without leaks.
Don't forget: caliper seals and boots, pad hardware, and master cylinder
Last edited by Elektro; Mar 30, 2024 at 10:51 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Clark, NJ
If you guys are having sealing problems with anything other than stainless steel hard line, make sure the flares are correct. Lean the difference between double inverted flare and bubble flare.
Safety Car
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From: Chester VA
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
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From: NW OH
That's good info, but if it's a C5 direct-replacement hose, you should be able to bolt it up to the caliper and hard line just per the instructions in the service manual.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
