Replacing Brake Lines - How Much Mess?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Replacing Brake Lines - How Much Mess?
When I remove the OEM rubber brake lines from inside the wheel well, how much brake fluid can I expect to come "gushing out"?
What have some of you all done to keep from having a mess?
....or will it just run a little with the back pressure keeping the fluid in place?
Thanks all in advance!
What have some of you all done to keep from having a mess?
....or will it just run a little with the back pressure keeping the fluid in place?
Thanks all in advance!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Unless you have someone stepping on the brake pedal when you open up a brake line ... there is no pressure in the system.
When you open a brake line, the only two things you need to worry about are .....
1) DO NOT let the reservoir get low enough in fluid to allow air to enter the system.
2) Once you put the system back together ... go though a standard bleed process to clear any air from the system.
When you open a brake line, the only two things you need to worry about are .....
1) DO NOT let the reservoir get low enough in fluid to allow air to enter the system.
2) Once you put the system back together ... go though a standard bleed process to clear any air from the system.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands Texas
The brake system is hydraulic with the reservoir higher than the calipers so all fluid will drain out, it will not "gush out" but will "ooze" out. Place an oil pan or similar under each wheel as you do the work to collect the fluid. Do not bother pouring more fluid into the reservoir until after you are finished and have everything bolted up tight. Then perform a bleed on the system to remove the air.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Now I am confused, another member in this post states, "1) DO NOT let the reservoir get low enough in fluid to allow air to enter the system."
...and another forum member says, it's ok to let it drain?
Anyone care to explain which way and what will really happen???
How WOULD I stop the flow if I needed to?
...and another forum member says, it's ok to let it drain?
Anyone care to explain which way and what will really happen???
How WOULD I stop the flow if I needed to?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Catawissa Pa
I think he meant, do not let the resevoir get empty while bleeding the brakes. The mess happens when you start to bleed the system. When you disconnect the line you will have a very small amount of leakage. When I did mine I filled the resevoir after I finished each wheel and that worked fine for me.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
You really will not lose that much fluid on each wheel. 1-2 0Zs at most. Have all the replacement parts sitting there ready to go as you take the old lines off. Time is your friend in terms of a quick re- installation and minimizing loss of fluid. Remove line and washer from caliper then from the steel line on car. A drip pan is a good idea. Do not do job without proper line wrenches - you will be really pissed if you strip a fitting !!! Check the master cylinder resevoir fluid level after each line change. DO NOT let it run dry or you have complicated your change out by having to bleed the master. Bleed in standard fashion after final change out and you will be fine. Not difficult - should not take more than 2 hours start to finish for a first timer.
