Brake line replacement

Haynes is being paranoid about bleeding these, Mr Cheerful can probably say more, but I've never had a problem.

replace and bleed them one at a time, do not let the fluid get too low. All should be well.

at that age the brake pipes should be like new, so why are you changing them?

Mrcheerful

that is only ten years or so. I have several vehicles far over that age, I know the brake pipes are perfectly good for many years to come. I have just replaced brake pipes on one that are almost thirty years old, they were still in good condition, but once disturbed (to change the flexis and rebuild the calipers) they would not reseal at the flares, the original tubing was the type with a join down the side, that cracks at the seam when tightened a couple of times. the actual tubing surfaces were still perfect, despite being the old steel tubing.

I can't remember the last time I had to change a pipe because of rot.

Agreed, I replaced several brake pipes pre-MOT on my '96 car. And ISTR one on my bro-in-law's 2001 Ashtray (which was a bitch to do). They don't last long do they?

Do you protect them in any way then? As I seem to have replaced numerous rotten brake pipes. On the Previa last year, one snapped clean off as soon as I began to loosen the union.

I do tend to grease them now as part of my servicing, but usually the damage is done before I buy the car.

asahartz gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying:

If you're replacing them, why on earth are you replacing them with steel? Use cupro-nickel, and forget about 'em.

I never replace with steel! Too much like hard work! But OTOH I grease the existing steel pipes to put off the day that I have to replace them. Some of the long runs are a nasty job to do - just ask anyone who's done the rear suspension lines on a Merc E-class estate. I've done it twice and I will NEVER do it again!

try spraying them with grease at each service, it takes seconds to do and the cost is b'all. Seriously, even on cars that are new to me the pipes are always OK. perhaps if you live near the sea? or have very icy/salted roads?

I've mainly replacedf them when the ends snapped off when I'm changing the flexible hoses/barke calipers.

exactly, they don't usually succumb to rot nowadays.

Nottinghamshire - not exactly coastal or the Arctic!

Bloody freezing in Beeston last year :-) (sorry, local reference)

Hi, what did you do in the end, i also have a 97 e36 and its just failed its MOT on front off= side and both rear corroded brake lines. Was quoted =C2=A3250 by a garage cos in consi= stency with the mot centre say you have to take fuel tank off... which sounds like a tw*= t of a job.

So would be interested what you did please, i've also got to replace the cat converter= , so umming and erring if i should call it a day and sell for spares?

Thanks,

Stu.

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