It's Official... I HATE Brake Lines

[Bruzilla]

I finally got around to changing the brake lines in my 74 Roadrunner, and what a PITA. Than God for my torch! I got the driver's side front out finally and got the new one in without too much trouble, but once I started on the passenger side the story changed.

The new lines look nothing like the old ones. Not even close! It looks like I'm going to have to do a lot of rebending to get the things to fit.

 

[BeeKool]

I feel your pain. I ended up replacing everything but the actual lines on my project. Would have done that too, but they were new oem lines and they were seized into the proportioning valve. After everything the lines all seep at the four corners. I put her away until winter, then back at it. I still have parts from Pirate Jack and Wilwood that wouldn't work as promised.

 

[dodge1972]

Typically brake lines are rusted. I never tried heat or torch on brake lines. Can you provide a few tips or suggestion on your removal. Thanks

 

[MarPar]

isnt brake fluid flammable??

 

[69L48Z27]

Torch? Like oxyacetylene?

 

[khryslerkid]

Isn't there rubber seals in the caliper or wheel cylinder?

 

[BeeKool]

I've used a torch on low to heat the line nuts enough to get them to break lose from the rear cylinders. I had a small orifice in the head and was mindful of the fuel tank

 

[ChargerM440]

Typically brake lines are rusted. I never tried heat or torch on brake lines. Can you provide a few tips or suggestion on your removal. Thanks

Penetrating lube like PB Blaster and flare nut wrenches. Flare nut wrenches give you that little extra grip you need on rusted worn out fittings.

I prefer the "5 point":

 

[HALIFAXHOPS]

Here is a really weird trick that works getting them loose. Take a birthday cake candle and drip the wax onto the fitting. Let it sit for a day and it breaks loose. I know I thought WTF also but it works.

 

[Bruzilla]

I just used a typical propane torch. That was the only way to get the rear line off the proportioning valve. I had to heat it up three times before it finally broke loose.

 

[YY1]

Where did you get your lines?

The ones I got were very close.

Well worth the money not to have to make all those bends on the pass side.

Lots of tight 90 degree bends and almost bent in a square around the frame.


Oh, how are you weathering the weather up there?

 

['68 Charger]

I've used torches on brake lines before. Acetylene & oxygen torches. I'll dive in there w/o no worries. I have a fire extinguisher and a water spray bottle near by. Normally I just have to use the water to reduce the smoldering smoke. Don't get me wrong, I only do this when the surrounding area parts are going to get replaced if the rubber gets burnt. Get those suckers red hot and twist them off. I do this routine if I know for sure that the fittings are going to be a tough removal, avoiding trying to use a wrench w/o heat thus rounding off the corners. I've never had brake fluid flame on me. But that's NOT to say it won't happen. It's a risky task if you're not keen on doing it. Please approach at your own risk.

 

[BeeKool]

The blue wrench works wonders

 

[68gtxman]

If you're replacing the lines, then just cut them and use a six point socket to remove the flare nut.

 

[Cranky]

I got lines for my 66 from Fine Lines (SSTubes.com). Haven't put them on yet but they look pretty close to the originals....

 

[69a100]

isnt brake fluid flammable??

Highly!
I can dig it Bru, cause I hate doing brakes, period!

 

[YY1]

Mine were "Right Stuff".

 

[YY1]

Brakes and suspension are actually my specialty areas.

I HATE working on drum brakes, but dang it I'm good at it.

Greasy, dusty, carcinogenic, finicky to go back together...

...and there's always that slim chance you'll lose a finger tip.

 

[WileE]

Why bother ? To stop, just stick your feet to the ground through your floorboards.... Yabba-dabba-doo !

 

[747mopar]

If you're replacing the lines, then just cut them and use a six point socket to remove the flare nut.

BINGO....