Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 14:57:40 -0600
Reply-To: Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
Subject: Re: Brake Lines - Replacement
In-Reply-To: <000401c624e1$e67cfbf0$6400a8c0@masterpc>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Good advice. I think some vendors have o.e. duplicate prebent
lines. (Bus Depot, possibly Vanagonparts and Van Cafe?) This would save
a lot of time.
Keep an air blow gun and wire brush handy and wear goggles. Blow the
rust debris away repeatedly to keep it out of your eyes. You don't want
rust chunks in your eye. Short of the car falling on you or starting a
fire, it's nearly the worst thing that can happen to you while working
on your car. (Ask me how I know!)
This may seem like a lot of work, but take heart! All cars in humid
climates suffer this problem. Most people just junk their cars at this
point. I've replaced my replacement brake lines on a couple.
It is sometimes possible to bleed a system good enough at the hose
to cylinder joint when the bleed valve brakes off. Not perfect, but all
you are ever doing is buying time! good enough to last till the new
cylinders come in the mail!
Al Brase
Dennis Haynes wrote:
>Brake lines are cheap. The problem is the labor. I like to use the
>factory lines as they have a protective coating. Comes as a 5 meter
>roll. The local FLAPS can supply lines with the bubble flares already on
>them and couplings can be used to make longer pieces. A good tubing
>bender can be had for ~ $35. A bubble flare tool to make your is a
>little bit more. Do it yourself and factory lines, ferrules, mounting
>clips, new tees, etc will be less than $100 bucks but plan on 2 days
>especially if going al the way to the master.
>You do not want to go with flex lines. Also most of the stainless
>braided lines are not DOT approved. The 4 rubber lines are available
>aftermarket. Ask for the Meyle brand as they fit like factory.
>
>Dennis
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
>Of robertmstewart
>Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 2:00 AM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Brake Lines - Replacement
>
>So, I a couple of days ago my mechanic did a tune-up for me and I asked
>him
>to check the brakes.
>
>He told me that the brake lines are very rusty (which surprised me since
>the
>previous owners mechanic who also owned the van told me he replaced
>them),
>and my local Long Island mechanic worried that if the line gets a pin
>hole
>it will need to be replaced.
>
>So I am wanted top get some feedback:
>
>1. What is the cost for the metal brake tubing for a complete
>replacement?
>2. What would you estimate the time to be to do the replacement?
>3. Can steel braided lines be used for the entire Van? Would this be a
>better long term investment?
>4. If the steel braided lines are best what length, connectors and what
>kind
>of lines would I purchase, and does anyone have a source?
>
>The mechanic also told me that the bleeders on the calipers looked very
>rusty and worried that the calipers might need replacement as well.
>
>He said the brakes were fine but if the lines sprung a leak it would be
>a
>big job.
>
>I am looking for feedback on the best way to go, I do not want sell the
>van,
>I would like to complete the repairs necessary.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>
>--
>Rob
>NYC/Long Beach, NY
>88 Wolfsburg, Silver
>
>
>
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