Date:         Wed, 16 Mar 2005 05:08:21 EST
Reply-To:     THX0001@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         George Goff <THX0001@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Simple change  for a  Power  Steering  Rack - 1985  Westfalia?
Comments: To: albeeee@MCHSI.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 3/16/05 4:11:45 AM, albeeee@MCHSI.COM writes:

<< the 2 fitting nuts on the rack are extremely hard to get loose. I can't
remember now, but when they broke loose, I thought I was lucky, didn't
feel like they were going to come. Of course, a line nut wrench would be
nice, but I didn't have one. I used a Knipex pliers. >>

Al,

That has been my experience, too, right down to the luck factor.  In fact,
the pliers might be better than a flare nut wrench (aka, line nut wrench).

I'm in the midst of changing out some calipers on a car.  Well, I should say
I wanted to change the calipers.  Now, it's the calipers AND the hoses AND the
front hard lines.  Originally I thought -  brass fittings, copper clad lines,
what could be the problem.  Using a flare nut wrench, the first fitting was a
little snug, but it finally broke loose from the caliper.  That was the only
one that backed out with the flare nut wrench, the rest rounded out.  I worked
my way through every penetrant I had in the arsenal, went to heat then
finally made a mess with a pair for vise grips.

Never discount luck.

George