Date:         Wed, 10 Jul 2013 10:45:48 -0400
Reply-To:     Stuart Fedak <ve3smf@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart Fedak <ve3smf@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: 11mm brake line wrench
Comments: To: Mike B <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <51DD6E7C.7010907@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Mike, 

Ref "I have a complete list with lengths, if anyone is interested,
> 
> as i took the extra time to not only DO IT RIGHT, but to take notes so
> others might benefit from my labor in this task."

It would be great If you could post the list with all the lengths.  That is exactly what I ended up doing for my military 1/4 ton jeep.  I have a list of all the various brake lines, so when I have to do any brake work, I usually just cut off just before the offending nut, use a 6 sided socket and 1/4 inch driver and remove the fitting.  I find this practice saves more time, and also replaces what is a consumable item with a new fitting.

I also have stocked up on CV axle hex head bolts, and other items which I consider to be consumables.  Once I get them off, I never re-use them.  For the cost of the bolts, and the time to drill out a stripped bolt, re threading I would rather be doing other work.  

Replacing brake lines when you do your own work, and rolling your own brake lines is not that expensive.  To have this done at shop rates can add up.  It is a good skill to have to know how to get lines and fittings off, cut new lines, install flair ends and fittings, use a tube bender and fill and bleed the system.  I use one of those vacuum brake bleeder units, that make brake bleeding a one person job.

Next on the list is a complete brake fluid bleed every 2 years.  That forces you to inspect the entire system, look at brake lines, flex hoses, and to crack open the bleeders.  Again, that is a one person job, if you have the vacuum brake bleeder units such as those carried by Harbour Freight and other sources.  

Cheers!
Stuart
86 Vanagon GL

Sent from my electronic umbilicus

On 2013-07-10, at 10:23 AM, Mike B <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>