On Fri, 16 Dec 2005 18:38:12 -0500, "Ralph" <
[email protected]> wrote:
>Jack updates:
>
>I've removed the plastic channel cover and the brake lines are now visible.
>Both are extremely corroded at the bend where they go up from under the
>floor pan to the gas tank well area. One leaks, and the other is probably
>about to go. (Next it will be the gas line.)
>
>It looks like replacing the entire line one-piece means lots of work in a
>hard-to-access area of the firewall, undoing flare nuts from the
>proportioner fitting (or whatever that little block with the lines coming
>out of it is called) as well as making lots bends.
Check with the dealer - they do make pre-bent lines as replacements,
but they can be either very expensive (shipping is a big chunk of that
because it takes a big box and lots of padding) or take a long time to
get shipped, or be discontinued because "the car is too old".
This is a 93 Corolla, so they shouldn't try the "too old" argument
quite yet. But price out a factory part first, you may be in for a
pleasant surprise - it might be cheaper in the long run versus buying
a generic straight length of tubing, the special bender, and all the
labor you'll invest to pull the old line and then sit there
duplicating all the twists and turns before installing the finished
product.
>You've said to use one-piece line: Most of the (hard to get at) front end
>of the brake line looks like new because it is protected by the engine
>compartment and covers. Would it be a great crime to cut and flare the
>existing line at an accessible point under the front of the car, and attach
>replacement line from there? This would add one fitting to the system. It
>would perhaps save lots of work.
Consider that the hydraulic brake system runs north of 1,000 PSI
depending on whether it's a normal stop or panic smash-the-pedal. You
want as few potential trouble spots as possible - you CAN cut and
re-flare the tubing, and put in a double female flare coupling, but
that also gives you another failure point. And KISS counts here.
Same thing with the fuel line on an EFI car - they are between 50
and 100 PSI fed from the pump inside the fuel tank, and leaking fuel
has the added hazard that it burns quite well, too, especially when
sprayed out a hole and forms a nice mist... Takes the whole car out.
Get a replacement section of steel line for that also while you're
under there fixing leaks.
Personally, I have nothing against cutting and coupling to repair a
brake or fuel line, but AFTER you've exhausted all other options.
It's not good form, and if the work isn't done absolutely perfect
you're leaving yourself open for huge problems.
--<< Bruce >>--
--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
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