Brake Lines

[Russ Maki]

Hi Robert --

Vise-Grips makes a small locking wrench that has a wedge cut out of the
fixed jaw. It locks securely onto the hex fitting on the hard brake line
without damaging it. When you try disconnecting the flex line at that
fitting, I think you'll find one of these little Vise Grips very handy!
They're about $10 at a well-stocked hardware store.

If I may state the obvious,  clamping off the hoses and cutting them near
the caliper will enable you to get a box-end wrench on the fitting at the
caliper. I'd install the new hose at the caliper first.

While I haven't used a braided stainless line myself, I'd stick with the
stock or good OEM line (Ate) unless you're planning to do a lot of
competitive track time. I've heard of enough durability problems with the
braided lines to shy away from them.

BTW, I changed out the original brake hoses a year ago on an '82 Mercedes
300cd that had been in Los Angeles (the Mecca of rubber-eating ozone) until
I bought it in January 2000.  The hoses looked fine, although the rubber
caliper piston seals were leaking copiously. I think your hoses will hold up
fine until you get around to changing them.


Russ Maki
'87 4000cs quattro





> Date: Fri, 01 Feb 2002 09:58:14 -0500
> To: s-car-list at egroups.com, "Quattro list" <quattro at audifans.com>
> From: Robert Myers <robert at s-cars.org>
> Subject: Brake lines
>
> Hi Y'all,
>
> I had my '95 S6 up on the rack yesterday and noticed that the outer rubber
> cover of one of the rear brake lines is cracked where it attaches to the
> caliper.  This looks to me like the brake line should be replaced at the
> earliest convenient opportunity.  There is no sign of leaking brake fluid
> nor is there any sign of "swelling" of the line so I don't think it
> qualifies as an "emergency - don't drive the car until it's fixed"
> situation but...
>
> Anyway, I've been searching my Bentley and can find nothing on R&Ring the
> brake lines.  There is plenty on pads and rotors and calipers and ABS
> systems but nothing (that I can find anyway) on brake lines.  Are there
any
> BTDTs out there or words of wisdom and/or advice and/or other helpful
> information?  It looks like only a short section of line, perhaps 6-8
> inches or less, at each wheel might be all that needs to be replaced.
>
> Bob
> *****
>   Robert L. Myers   304-574-2372
>   Rt. 4, Box 57,  Fayetteville, WV 25840 USA   WV tag Q SHIP
>   '95 urS6  Cashmere Grey - der Wunderwagen    ICQ 22170244
>   http://www.cob-net.org/church/pvcob.htm
> *****