Any tips for replacing brake hoses

[drooartz]

I've got a new set of the 3 soft brake hoses to go on my MGB, and was wondering if anyone has any tips to make the process go smoother. Any ways to minimize the mess of dripping brake fluid? Other ideas?

Parts are in hand, and I hope to get this done over the weekend.

 

[billspit]

If I was re-doing mine, I would use DOT approved stainless braided lines instead of the OEM lines.

I know of no real way to do this without making a mess other than emptying the whole system before you start removing hoses. Maybe somebody else here has a brainstorm.

 

[SilentUnicorn]

Put a piece of saran wrap over the the M/C and put the cap back on. This will help some by creating a vacuum in the M/C and keep all the fluid from leaking out. I just did a rear hose on one and i think the original hose hexes are a funny size.


m

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Think soda straw: When you put your finger over the hole in the top of the straw, the liquid stays in until you take your finger off.

 

[drooartz]

I'll give the plastic wrap a try, thanks for the idea. Can't hurt, might help.

I am using the metal braided lines from Moss.

 

[DNK]

Hope they fit better than my bro's does.
Keep popping off

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid should be changed out every few years because it absorbs moisture from the air (hygroscopic). Now would be a good time to combine that chore with the flex line replacement if called for.

 

[drooartz]

DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid should be changed out every few years because it absorbs moisture from the air (hygroscopic). Now would be a good time to combine that chore with the flex line replacement if called for.

That's the plan, do it all at once (not sure when it was last done as I bought the car a year ago).

Hope they fit better than my bro's does.
Keep popping off

That's not confidence inspiring. Were they the Moss Stainless ones?

https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29542

 

[DNK]

Yes they were purchased a few years ago and he decided to install them last year.
They might not be popping but leaking if I think about it.
They are to short and get stretched when you turn the wheel to much.
Can't remember if he did anything with them before he stored it away for the winter.

 

[drooartz]

Thanks for the heads up, Don. I'll make sure I compare them to the ones on the car before I install anything.

 

[DNK]

Good plan ,Drew

 

[Steve_S]

I agree, the Goodrich hoses sold by Moss and others are too short. At full lock they are pulled pretty tight. People have complained about them for years but nothing has been done about it. And to this day, they are still sold in large quantities.

I'll also relay an experience I had with these hoses. The rear gave up rather suddenly on me as I was backing out of a friend's driveway. I managed to stop the car just before it rolled onto a busy boulevard. Had it split two miles earlier, I would have been coming down a freeway exit ramp at 75 MPH.

The hose failed near the fitting. The metal braiding had worn through the rubber. The damage was not visible until I removed the hose. This is the problem with braided hoses. The outer sheathing hides the condition of the rubber underneath. I believe in these hoses for racing applications, but not for road use where they are not inspected regularly and where they may see very long service lives. I've used all kinds of hoses and the only real benefit of the braided variety in my opinion is a very slight increase in pedal firmness. Compared to a high quality rubber hose the difference is slight, and in my opinion not worth the added cost or risk of problems.

Top be fair, I've used several sets of the Goodrich hoses in the past and this was the first failure I've experienced, but one is too many in my opinion.

 

[drooartz]

Well that's not great news... cash down the drain there. I don't like to take chances with brake parts. Steve, are you getting (rubber) hoses from Moss or another source?

 

[CZ_Dave]

Motion Idustries makes custom
pressure hose to fit.

I would imagine that they
could make brake hoses.

 

[Steve_S]

I've used the Moss rubber hoses and they are of high quality. I also use hoses made from a local shop that specializes in custom hydraulic and automotive / racing hoses. They are often cheaper than buying them from the usual suppliers.

Again, i want to be clear that there are a lot of those Goodrich hoses being run out there with success. I was just pointing out my personal beliefs and experiences on the subject.

 

[drooartz]

I appreciate the extra info. Still not decided on what I'll do, but good to have all the info in hand first. I'm still learning all the little things like this about the MGB that I knew about Spridgets. Fun stuff.

 

[drooartz]

Decided to get the standard Moss hoses and installed them today. Bled the brakes with help from my lovely (and understanding) wife and we're back in business!