Copper Crush Washers on Front Rubber Brake Hoses
 

They go on the threaded connection into the front calipers. Can anyone tell me the purpose of these? Can the old ones be re-used? I have a new rubber brake hose kit and although advertised as included, they were omitted. I want to get those hoses on tomorrow and the brakes bled.

NAPA says to go to Home Depot? GM says a package of 12 from the USA in two weeks?

I'm tempted just to re-use the old or if it is a sealant issue just use a dab of pipe sealant teflon paste on the outer (not inner) edges/threads of the threaded connector.

Chances are they will reseal but I would go to HD or Ace hardware and get some new ones. They won't get there by tomorrow but I would be more than happy to drop a couple in the mail. :cheers:

Roger,
I very much appreciate that offer but I will check Home depot or a local auto parts store tomorrow. Believe it or not it is over 90*F here in Canada and I dread the thought of doing that job in such heat but my brake pedal is low and one of my favourites shows is this weekend.

You can try reusing the originals. Once you bleed the brakes, press on them REALY HARD and look for leaks. Don't put any sealer on them though.

Thanks Paul. Will do. What is the function of those little washers?

The copper washers compress and seal better than any other metal or non-metal material and hold the extreme high pressure of the braking system. Re-using them is not recommended, but you can do in a pinch if you haven't got replacements. As another post says pump those brakes and push hard to check for leaks if you re-use the old washers. Otherwise, most legitimate parts stores will have replacements or a very good hardware store. Good question Paul 74! Happy motoring! PS - 90F? Move to Texas and you'll know what hot is! Of course, you know cold better than us down here in the Lonstar state!

I don't have a lift so I jacked up the driver's side this evening and of course with jack stands holding things up. I hit the joints with PB Blaster for tomorrow. Hopefully those steel lines will not twist! But of course... I do have the flare tools. I will try to get those washers tomorrow. If not I will re-use the old and snug things up. But quite frankly I can't see washers on the old connections$$. Love these old cars.

On temps we had three days last summer greater than 86*F (30*C here with metric). But this year! Darn this is hot! It will go away in 3-4 days. I can't imagine a summer of it. It would be impossible to drive my Corvette. People in Florida seem to say that the drive only in winter?

Just as a treat for readers, what is wrong with this pic. Now corrected. Love these old cars!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...nssad-0012.jpg

Copper Washers
 

This type of washer is commonly used on high pressure hydraulic systems. O rings, gaskets, or sealants are not capable of sealing at brake system pressures, which can exceed 1000 PSI, and are subject to repeated shocks. Re-using them isn't recommended, as the soft copper workhardens when compressed the first time, and may not seal as well in subsequent use. You may get away with re-using them, but you would be prudent to get some new ones heading your way.

I think local parts shops like Auto Zone have them in stock all the time.

Good advice. I will try to get them tomorrow. I did not know those little washers were that critical.

That darn ladder doesn't have a strap securing it to the hooks , it could jump off and scratch the crap out of your car. :eek: :lol:

Oh and did you notice your spring bolt is upside down ? :D :thumbs:

Roger,

Not sure what you mean about the ladders? A large C-clamp was added. I know that drill.

But there are many treats when you buy a 35-year-old car. I found many. And most have been corrected. But it can be a gradual process. Even starting with a pretty solid example. Sometimes I marvel at people who take on projects. But it must be an age thing. I just want to drive.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...shions-010.jpg

Low brake pedal, upside down spring bolt, man, those defects are adding up. Maybe you could store that 74 at my house, you wouldn't want your friends to see those imperfections. :willy:

Yes Sir; I use toilet paper to wipe off the lines when I'm bleeding, then wrap the fittings with it, then step on the brakes hard. The toilet paper will show even a slight leak, if you have one. Silicone brake fluid makes you double check things. Lot of luck, have a great time at the meet. Gene

If you can't get new washers, you can use the old ones with no problems if they look good. Have done it many, many times.
Just clean all the surfaces well and if you really want to you can dust with a powder to check for leaks.
Contrary to popular belief, brake systems are relatively low pressure hydraulics compared to most hydraulic systems. That is why oem's were able to safely use fabric braided flex lines instead of single or 2 wire steel hydraulic hose.

I put on stainless steel brake lines in place of the rubber hoses 20 years ago and just went down to the local hardware store with the old copper washers and matched them up to the closest ones that they had in stock and have never had an issue all these years.

Paul,
I think I've seen these at Ottawa Fasteners over in Bell's Corners.
They have bins of automotive fasteners against the wall to the right as you walk in.

Steve L
73 since new

Paul,
My VBP kit has these but I'll be putting them in this wknd.
They are 0.684 od; 0.460 ID and .040 thick

Steve L.
73 since new

The u-joint keeper looks busted too

I think it's just the picture and dirt. I can just barely see both tangs.

Steve L.
73 since new

:iagree: Looks like half of it is missing.

A couple weeks ago I bought new front brake hoses for my Jeep. I wish NAPA didn't include those darn washers with their hoses. I installed the new ones (one on each side of the block) and put brake fluid in the system. When I went under the Jeep both sides were leaking (more like pouring) brake fluid. So I'm in a hurry to tighten them and with the adrenalin I snapped the banjo bolt that holds the brake hose to the caliper. When I examined everything carefully, I discovered that the washers they provided were half the thickness of the originals (.030 vs .060). The caliper had a recess in it that was deeper than .030 so there was no seal at all on the caliper side. Once I went to the Jeep dealer and got the correct washers and a new banjo bolt, they sealed with no problem.

The point of this post is that you need to make sure the dimensions of the washers are exactly the same or they may not work properly.

MYK7, I think you are right. I didn't realize that there are 2 different pictures. The second picture shows it broken in half. The second picture has things restored i.e. painted parts that should be natural, new cushons.

Steve L
73 since new

You fellows are correct re that clip. THANKS! I don't believe they can be bought separately so I may have to pick up an entire u-joint kit just to get a clip. I am checking with Corvette colleagues firstly. Most of us have basement inventories.

Paul,
Phone phone Malmberg truck trailer equip. 613 742 3360. They sell u-joints. They may sell the retainers separately.

Steve L
73 since new

Thanks Steve. Ron Rail of the CCC has a couple for me.

I did not get ambitious today in the absence of the "correct" copper crush washers to put the new hoses on. (Actually the old hoses look almost brand new??). But the Wife did help me with the bleeding of the system, old style: pump and bleed, pump and bleed, then hold. She did keep pumping and holding the gas pedal for awhile (she does not drive) and I could not figure out what was going on. But that little oversight was sorted out ;). Yes Lars, my accelerator pump works: the engine was flooded but did burn off cleanly.

My original concern was the brake pedal going almost to the floor. Obviously not a good situation. Now I have a good 1 1/2" to 2" clearance and a nice firm pedal. Yes..........!

People often speak of DOT3 needing to be flushed every couple of years. The fluid I drained out was a murky/muddy mess. The humidex here today was 109*F but I am glad I got the job done. What more can I say about preventative maintenance. That I should observe.

These small little successes for mechanical neophytes like me are important. The Corona is cold and...why not have one?

Roger,

My research indicates that they are very specific dimensions for the Corvette calipers. If you are near a Corvette supplier let me know. I need four. I will pay you of course but hopefully will avoid a $10.00 administration fee and $15.00 shipping plus UPS brokerage fees for $5.00 worth of parts. Just pop them in a postal envelope. I can send you a money order.

platour@rogers.com

Look better? All kidding aside I wish to thank the keen observers who brought this to my attention. Yes, that new clip is in the groove.

Before.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...shions-010.jpg

After.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ntclip-007.jpg

Paul,
Not sure how I missed this post until today.
I didn't know they were Corvette specific , I don't think I have ever purchased these all my extras come with new hoses. I have 2 different sizes .450x.685x.061 and .446x.625x.062
Your choice , I'll just tape 4 of them to the inside of an envelope and drop them at the post office.
They were free to me so they are free to you. :cheers:
( I'll email you for your address.)
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k3...den/001-37.jpg

I don't know the exact dimensions but I got back to you. Thanks! I wimped out for now on the full job and just did the bleed yesterday. Rather funny seeing the Wife doing the pedal job. I tried one of those $10.00 self-bleeders. Garbage pickup is tomorrow.

:thumbs:

Roger has been in touch off-line. Love this Forum!

Paul the washers are on their way , I sent you 4 of each.
Don't laugh at the postage I put on , I didn't want them to be returned. :lol:

my sincere thanks!!

Not the first choice but in a pinch:
 

Not the first choice, but in a pinch, you can take a propane torch and heat the washers up to cherry red and let them air cool.

What this does is anneal the copper and gets rid of the work hardening from the first use.

I would check the surface for nicks too.

I used to do this with copper gaskets on oil plugs with success.

But, getting new ones is without a doubt the first choice. After all, this is for the brake system which you really need to stop the beast:willy:

I'm getting a little mellow tonight. You fellows who noticed that bad circlip may have saved me much misery such as a busted battery box. Thank you sincerely!!

I'm glad you got it fixed... I did notice the new one isn't in all the way, but probably won't be a problem. Much better than it was before.

:thumbs:

Paul. What are you using instead of French locks on halfshafts? Also I noticed cupped washers on lower shock mounts are turned wrong way. Cup should be to tall nut. Not nit picking just observing. mike...:cheers:

I'll wack it again but it's pretty tight.

I've just added french locks to my next shopping list. They are MIA on the passenger side as well. Love these 25-year-old cars!

When I installed those Monro shocks last year it seemed intuitive to cover the lower shock area and bushing with the cupped (concave) side of the washer. I can change that easily.

Just a heads up on the french locks, when I bought a set for mine they were pretty thin and IMO cheaply made and twisted up with just a little pressure...just garbage...I even put never sieze under the lip of the bolt and on the locks to deter them from twisting up.

GTR1999 sent me some he had that were of quality grade metal and they were night and day difference from that crap some vendors are selling. Not sure where he got them though.

Thanks for the heads-up. Gary does not participate here any longer but I know how to contact him.

Thanks for the email.

[QUOTE=...Roger...;1574634126]Paul,
Not sure how I missed this post until today.
I didn't know they were Corvette specific , I don't think I have ever purchased these all my extras come with new hoses. I have 2 different sizes .450x.685x.061 and .446x.625x.062
Your choice , I'll just tape 4 of them to the inside of an envelope and drop them at the post office.
They were free to me so they are free to you. :cheers:
( I'll email you for your address.)

Roger,

The washers arrived in the mail today. I wish to thank you sincerely, and publicly here, for such a fine gesture!

Paul

[QUOTE=paul 74;1574694686]Paul,
I must be slipping , I just saw this post. You are very welcome , glad I could help. :cheers:

Roger

[QUOTE=...Roger...;1574889882]We can't monitor the Forum everyday. Thanks again!