Flattened brake pipe

[jjbunn]

I wondered why I was having trouble bleeding the RH rear brakes. It looks like the pipe has been flattened against the axle at some point!

I will need to replace that section of pipe. Is a length of the right diameter pipe something I will find at PepBoys, or should I order from Moss ... is it special?

 

[kennypinkerton]

Mine got piched like that by the tow truck driver that brought my car home for me... got a used replacement from Tony. Dirt cheap, and guaranteed to fit... beware the autoparts store brake hoses... most of them carry "bend-to-fit" brake pipe... but it won't have the right compression flare at the ends.

 

[DrEntropy]

If you're looking to become "self-reliant" get some brake line from NAPA and a "Double Flare" flaring tool kit. Practice on some short pieces, then go for it. Use the end nuts from the original line and make your own. To remove the line without buggering the flare nuts get a 7/16" "Line Wrench" (Sears). And a liberal application of PB Blaster before hand.

Many a brake line has been crushed by inattentive transporter drivers. Yours looks to be a victim of one such experience. Keep this in mind if you ever need to be hauled.

That said, if you want to get the thing sorted and on it's feet get the pre-bent, ready-made line from Moss or VB.

A word in yer ear: replace the "flex line" from chassis to differential while you're at it. They swell and collapse after a time. A few bucks now and you're already THERE anyhow... b'sides it's an excellent excuse to buy another size line wrench! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Deleted member 3577]

[ QUOTE ]

That said, if you want to get the thing sorted and on it's feet get the pre-bent, ready-made line from Moss or VB.

[/ QUOTE ] /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I never have much luck w/ those el-cheapo flaring tools & I'm not up to buying the "snappy" one yet.

(Banjo has one but he lives too far away /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

 

[vping]

That is why I hooked mine up to the tow truck.

 

[Steve_S]

I've had the same thing happen more than once. It doesn't matter how you warn them, some get it and some don't.

 

[DrEntropy]

I've NEVER had it happen. But I'm usually standing behind the guy rattling a piece of his own chain as I "explain" to him he's gonna be financially responsible for any damage... and not in a courtroom. Right then and there...

I also give 'em my "Crazed Viet Nam Vet" look...*twitch-twitch*... as th' chain goes: "ching-ching" onna pavement.

The ride may not be "chatty" but the car gets home safe and sound./ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

 

[vping]

Tell him to put his pride away and step aside. Dude who did the towing had noooo problem letting me step in. I've heard worse and did not want it happening to me.

I'd get the tools and do it myself. Hey wait.....already did, except the flaring tool. Now I gotta find that one to add to the tool box.

 

[Kimberly]

I explained to the last tow truck driver that he would have to pay $300- if he put those j-hooks over my axel and crushed my new brake lines. He told me he had been transporting vehicles for years and knew what he was doing. My response was since you are experienced, can you tell what that shiney tube that runs along the axel goes to? He then chose another place to put the j-hooks. It's funny how people believe that Bs cost the same to repair and maintain as high end European cars. It also helped having an invoice showing a shop labor rate of $100 per hour.

 

[Deleted member 3577]

I was checking out someone else's Elva one time.
I asked about all the new fiberglass on the front end.
Think I said....."That must have been one heck of a crash".
He said no..."Tow truck accident".


Apparently the tow truck operator hooked the cable up to a small dia. tube designed to provide support for the bottom of the radiator.
(Ladder frame)

When he reeled it in, the rad came THROUGH the front of the car.

Now the real kicker......
It HAD been parked legally.....The sticker was on the windscreen instead of the bumper.
(Most Elvas don't have bumpers and the guy didn't look)

Also.....He had to pay the $75.00 impound fee.

 

[rick_ingram]

Yep...be sure to replace the flex hose.

I also had a pipe failure INSIDE the union while on a road trip. I spent the next day under the car replacing both rear brake lines instead of visiting the Henry Ford Museum....but it was time well spent....and I still made it to MG '92 in Peterborough, Ontario on time!

 

[Steve_S]

Rick, do you mean to say the flare failed? Or the union itself perhaps?