240 Rear Brake Line Problem

nate2k5 · 11-28-2013, 01:01 AM

So I made it home for the holidays but am having an issue I hope I can resolve before I head back.

My rear left brake hardline that goes into the caliper is leaking. I know not many local places carry the correct size fitting to fix it. Ideally I could find the complete line with fittings and flares already made so I can just connect and go.

I have seen the front brake hardlines and the long rear but never the short rear. Are the fronts long enough to do the rear?

coonmanx · 11-28-2013, 01:30 AM

Auto Zone should have the right lines. You might have to get whatever length they have however. I believe one time I just used a slightly longer line and used a tubing bender to make a few extra curves. Harbor Freight probably has a cheap tubing bender.

Best if you can take in an old line for comparison.

84B23F · 11-28-2013, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nate2k5

Are the fronts long enough to do the rear?

Click on picture in IPD's Stainless Steel Brake Line Kit

While on picture, click left back arrow.

I have not messed with brake lines yet...but check auto supply

coonmanx · 11-28-2013, 01:38 AM

I know that I have replaced a few lines with Auto Zone stuff. They have European, Japanese and USA style lines. But it's best to take along the old one to get an exact match.

Make sure to bleed that line when done.

84B23F · 11-28-2013, 01:38 AM

Front - Hose Length (In): 12-1/4 Inch

Rear - 13-1/8 Inch

Redwood Chair · 11-28-2013, 01:41 AM

No the front hardlines won't reach.

There should be something thaat you can make work at a good auto parts store as mentioned, but they will be steel lines not nickel.

hiperfauto · 11-28-2013, 02:15 AM

Volvo hardlines after 76 are made from cunifer or cupro-nickel. This article from Skinned Knuckles magazine explains the advantages of the material (Volvo content).

Redwood Chair · 11-28-2013, 02:25 AM

Good stuff.

Post in wanted maybe someone is parting or has one in their culch pile.

TrickMick · 11-28-2013, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coonmanx

I know that I have replaced a few lines with Auto Zone stuff. They have European, Japanese and USA style lines. But it's best to take along the old one to get an exact match.

Make sure to bleed that line when done.

*AND*...BEFORE you crack the line put a double layer of "microwave SARAN WRAP" under the reservoir CAP to slow down the "leakdown" from the open line...
(essentially sealing the VENT HOLE in the cap....)

the caveat is that you don't want to BOTTOM OUT THE BRAKE PEDAL when ya
get to the bleeding part.... put a towel up against the firewall and push GENTLY
on the pedal until you feel the resistance of the towel....you'll get the air out
tuit de suite *and* you you won't shred the cups inside the MC bore...

carry on!....

84B23F · 11-28-2013, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiperfauto

This article from Skinned Knuckles magazine explains the advantages of the material (Volvo content).

Nice to know...those in salt belt tend to have those brake issues...the most.

TrickMick · 11-28-2013, 04:35 PM

http://www.fedhillusa.com/

*my* source...

petebee · 11-28-2013, 05:42 PM

I just redid my rear brakes and have a left over rear driver's side hard line. Let me know...I can pop it in the mail if you cover shipping...good thing it is the short line.

M.H. Yount · 11-28-2013, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrickMick

*AND*...BEFORE you crack the line put a double layer of "microwave SARAN WRAP" under the reservoir CAP to slow down the "leakdown" from the open line...
(essentially sealing the VENT HOLE in the cap....)

I've found that saran wrap a piece of plastic under the cap slows down the leak; I've since discovered that a piece of masking tape sealing the vent hole in the top of the cap works even better - at least on mine. When I removed two front lines and capped the distribution block while doing a front brake upgrade, virtually nothing came out of the system as long as the vent to the reservoir cap was taped over.

Nate - I'd check around for a junkyard where ever you are for the holidays and see if you can score the line you need off a car there.

TrickMick · 11-28-2013, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.H. Yount

I've found that saran wrap a piece of plastic under the cap slows down the leak; I've since discovered that a piece of masking tape sealing the vent hole in the top of the cap works even better - at least on mine. When I removed two front lines and capped the distribution block while doing a front brake upgrade, virtually nothing came out of the system as long as the vent to the reservoir cap was taped over.

Nate - I'd check around for a junkyard where ever you are for the holidays and see if you can score the line you need off a car there.

*YUP*....just easier to slap the saran wrap to it...I've had a few
"go-rounds" here and other fora where the *un-believers* claim
*NO vent* to the MC...uh huh...troot dat!

nate2k5 · 11-30-2013, 02:07 PM

thanks for the tip guys. will a local place likely have lines with the correct fittings and flares? i don't want to have to reuse my old fittings or make the flares. that's kinda the problem now, my flare is leaking. i would like to just be able to pick up a line with the correct fittings/flare in round the correct length.

hiperfauto · 11-30-2013, 02:32 PM

You can buy one of these close to the correct length, but the fitting on one end will need to be changed. Most import repair shops will have the proper flare tool.

84B23F · 11-30-2013, 02:34 PM

Re: will a local place likely have lines with the correct fittings and flares?

nate2k5 · 11-30-2013, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiperfauto

You can buy one of these close to the correct length, but the fitting on one end will need to be changed. Most import repair shops will have the proper flare tool.

why does the fitting need changed. i am looking to buy a line that i have to do no work to. i can't risk taking the line off to compare and being stranded if it breaks.

hiperfauto · 11-30-2013, 10:12 PM

The inboard fitting is female and attaches to the flex hose. The fitting can be reused but you'll need to cut the line and swap fittings. If you get a line that's too long, it can be cut to the correct length before flaring.

84B23F · 11-30-2013, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nate2k5

why does the fitting need changed..

When working with fittings, its not uncommon to re-use existing fittings, and flare pipe.

I really doubt some shop with flaring tool will charge much.

mtd240 · 12-02-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiperfauto

Time for new flex lines?

Also - regarding the SkinnedKnuckles article you posted - has the federal government issued regulations/standards for rigid brake lines? The article says they hadn't at the time, but have the feds (namely NHTSA) issued any policy since?

84B23F · 12-02-2013, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtd240

but have the feds (namely NHTSA) issued any policy since?

DOT, and I don't have time to search thru their site, but here's an example page.

hiperfauto · 12-03-2013, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtd240

Time for new flex lines?

I'd say so. It's a jy diff, everything was cut.

Quote:

Also - regarding the SkinnedKnuckles article you posted - has the federal government issued regulations/standards for rigid brake lines? The article says they hadn't at the time, but have the feds (namely NHTSA) issued any policy since?

I checked NHTSA's website and didn't find anything regarding brake lines, just hoses and fluid.

11-28-2013, 01:01 AM	#1
nate2k5 Board Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Attleboro, MA	Rear Brake Line Problem So I made it home for the holidays but am having an issue I hope I can resolve before I head back. My rear left brake hardline that goes into the caliper is leaking. I know not many local places carry the correct size fitting to fix it. Ideally I could find the complete line with fittings and flares already made so I can just connect and go. I have seen the front brake hardlines and the long rear but never the short rear. Are the fronts long enough to do the rear?

11-28-2013, 01:30 AM	#2
coonmanx Board Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, CO	Auto Zone should have the right lines. You might have to get whatever length they have however. I believe one time I just used a slightly longer line and used a tubing bender to make a few extra curves. Harbor Freight probably has a cheap tubing bender. Best if you can take in an old line for comparison. __________________ Jim C. Don't own a Brick anymore. It got crushed.

11-28-2013, 02:15 AM	#7
hiperfauto The Librarian Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: So Cal	Volvo hardlines after 76 are made from cunifer or cupro-nickel. This article from Skinned Knuckles magazine explains the advantages of the material (Volvo content). __________________ 240 Alcantara Shift Boot Cover (164 & 72- 140 too) Rare, Race & R-Sports Parts Colored B/S Brake Hoses 140/160 and more Volvo Advertising Stuff -

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11-28-2013, 01:38 AM	#4
coonmanx Board Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, CO	I know that I have replaced a few lines with Auto Zone stuff. They have European, Japanese and USA style lines. But it's best to take along the old one to get an exact match. Make sure to bleed that line when done.

11-28-2013, 01:38 AM	#5
84B23F Board Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kansas, USA	Front - Hose Length (In): 12-1/4 Inch Rear - 13-1/8 Inch

11-28-2013, 02:25 AM	#8
Redwood Chair K-jet For Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: - Stock PSI Or Bust -	Good stuff. Post in wanted maybe someone is parting or has one in their culch pile.

11-28-2013, 04:35 PM	#11
TrickMick Broad Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: norte carolina	http://www.fedhillusa.com/ my source...

11-28-2013, 05:42 PM	#12
petebee Board Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Back in NC again...	I just redid my rear brakes and have a left over rear driver's side hard line. Let me know...I can pop it in the mail if you cover shipping...good thing it is the short line.

11-30-2013, 02:07 PM	#15
nate2k5 Board Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Attleboro, MA	thanks for the tip guys. will a local place likely have lines with the correct fittings and flares? i don't want to have to reuse my old fittings or make the flares. that's kinda the problem now, my flare is leaking. i would like to just be able to pick up a line with the correct fittings/flare in round the correct length.

11-30-2013, 02:32 PM	#16
hiperfauto The Librarian Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: So Cal	You can buy one of these close to the correct length, but the fitting on one end will need to be changed. Most import repair shops will have the proper flare tool.

11-30-2013, 02:34 PM	#17
84B23F Board Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kansas, USA	Re: will a local place likely have lines with the correct fittings and flares?

11-30-2013, 10:12 PM	#19
hiperfauto The Librarian Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: So Cal	The inboard fitting is female and attaches to the flex hose. The fitting can be reused but you'll need to cut the line and swap fittings. If you get a line that's too long, it can be cut to the correct length before flaring.