Aargh! Stuck brake hoses...

Post by **JimK** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 4:59 pm

I've been changing the front cylinders on the Trav, on account of the old ones being completely shot to bits. Nearside went perfectly. On the offside, the front cylinder will not relinquish its grip on the flexi hose or the bridge pipe.

I need one or the other loose to get the cylinder off the backplate, and I need to preserve the flexi hose as I don't have another one. The union at the car end of the flexi hose won't shift either.
Spanners are slipping off the flexihose nut, and the bridge pipe nut has rounded.

Any tips, tricks or tools that will help me? I've sprayed the affected area with penetrating oil, but to no avail so far.

While I'm here: anything to look out for when changing rear cylinders? I need to do that to the other car tomorrow...

Post by **paulk** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 5:10 pm

If the Pipe nut has rounded either Mole grips (don't always work) or a really good pair of pipe wrench pliers (Mine are Knipex and seriously good grippers) seem to be the only option.

Unless you can move the rubber hose nut and then just cut the pipe and withdraw it as is.

Post by **JimK** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 5:32 pm

I've got new bridge pipes, so no problems there. If I can loosen the flexi hose, I can withdraw the cylinder then unscrew it from the flexi hose.

Something to grip the flexi hose nut to turn it will be the best.

Post by **paulhumphries** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 5:42 pm

JimK wrote: If I can loosen the flexi hose, I can withdraw the cylinder then unscrew it from the flexi hose.

I thought I could do the same.
Turned out the start of the thread on the new cylinder was in a different place to the old one so the flexi ended up slightly twisted and I had to undo the flexi at body end anyway.

Paul Humphries

Post by **flying** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 5:43 pm

i find the best tool to get stubborn bolts off or if they have rounded of is vice grips(not mole grips) just a better make and so have helped so many times they never slip

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 5:59 pm

Better get a new hose quickly - it's always wise to carry a spare, so better get two!! You will likely need to cut the flexi - and then you can slide a good ring spanner over and get a better hold. Heat may need to be applied anyway - and then will certainly need a new flexi.

Post by **JimK** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 6:37 pm

I can't undo the other end of the flexi hose either,and I'd still have that end to remove if I cut it.

Are hose failures common?

Post by **bigginger** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 7:03 pm

Not especially - but the unions seizing is...

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 9:33 pm

Hoses only have a finite life - once cut, you can use a decent ring spanner over each end. But heat will be the answer.

Post by **Packedup** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 11:01 pm

Agreed about cutting - Chop the flexi and get a decent ring on, chances are it'll turn. If not, cut it off so as to be able to get a socket on it. And use a decent hex (6 sided) one, or a bi-hex (common many pointy bits one) of a slightly smaller size and belt it on with a hammer.

Post by **JimK** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 5:08 pm

Done it! Bought one of these (the smaller one):

£3.29 from Halfords.

It got the bridge pipe union out and loosened the flexi hose. It's all now reassembled with new cylinders and bridge pipes. All filled and bled in a matter of minutes, too.

I'm very wet, a bit cold and rather chuffed. Next thing is to tackle the rear cylinders on the Lemming, but that can wait for another day.