Date:         Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:51:26 -0400
Reply-To:     Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Metal brake line + short rear flex hose questions
Comments: To: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <c4e7c5f90810211039j17fb55dbh37bfd22fb4b10256@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"

"neil N" <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> said:

> Archive info suggests that rust pitted metal brake lines should be
> replaced.

Every section of brake line on my van has some amount of pitting.
Anyone ever used stainless brake line?  I'd imagine its a lot of $$.

> Do these lines ever rust out from the inside?

They can, if the brake fluid is not changed regularly and has water in
it.

> Re: the rear short flex hoses. Mine look like they've never been
> replaced.
>
> Is a visual inspection for cracks sufficient to determine if they're
> still ok?

Personally, I'd replace them.  Others disagree.  They can look fine from
the outside but be swollen internally to the point that they are nearly
occluded.  What happens then is that under pressure, fluid can be forced
through and the brakes will engage.  But, when you release the pedal the
fluid may not drain back completely and you can have dragging brakes.
If you have any symptoms of dragging brakes and the hoses are old, I'd
replace them.  They're not very expensive, and a good excuse to flush
your brake fluid.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL