rear brake union - passenger side - how to remove old pipe?

Post by **valium** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 11:40 pm

The brake union at rear of car (cross like) before it divides off into the indiv break pipes to cylinders.

Got the right one off (brake pipe), can't get the left one off - is it because it is a reverse thread (clockwsie v anti-clockwsie [or vice versa]) ?

I want to know i'm trying to uncsrew it the right way?

Any help Dudes?

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 11:56 pm

Standard thread, I'm afraid, just open to a lot of road muck/corrosion

Post by **Alec** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:32 am

Hello Valium,

it helps if you have a flare spanner as it gives a lot more grip or else, if replacing the pipe, cut it first then use a ring spanner.

Alec

Post by **RogerRust** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:53 am

Alec wrote:Hello Valium,

cut it first then use a ring spanner.

Alec

yep, I'm afraid that's right either one end or the other usually siezes up.

I once bought a mini with a ring spanner still on the union, obviously the previous owner used it to tighten the union before he realised he couldn't then get it off!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:23 pm

And note - these unions are 3/8" BSF thread and NOT the usual 3/8" UNF as found at the front of the car.

Post by **kennatt** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 3:17 pm

had the same problem several times try disconecting the pipe at the wheel cylinder and taking the pipe and tee union off as one piece.Then you will be able to slide a ring spanner down the pipe onto the union. Works when the nut is stuck to the pipe at the wheel cylinder end,you can loosen the nut but it twists the pipe to the point where it shears off.Disconect the tee piece and you can then turn the whole thing to unscrew the pipe from the wheel cylinder.However the bits involved as so cheap that I would just cut the pipe and renew all the bits Unless I was in a hurry and didn't have a new pipe to fit.Good luck

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 4:38 pm

Agree with that - but not every place has the unusual 3/8" BSF threaded unions in stock. Best to get some spares in before you start.

Post by **valium** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:48 am

The pipe is cut! - I think I'll ahve to take the tee union (cross thing) off and take it from there - I've soaked it in oil and all that - it's coming off one way or another just for satisfaction even if I have to replace the parts!

Post by **RogerRust** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:34 am

valium wrote:The pipe is cut! - - it's coming off one way or another just for satisfaction even if I have to replace the parts!

Thats the spirit!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 11:12 am

Apply some heat!

Post by **valium** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 12:37 am

Took the flexible pipe off so could get some more leverage on the T union - came off!

Ha!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 11:29 am

Well done!

Post by **dunketh** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 4:36 pm

Ingenuity - why man will always triumph over machine, no matter how much of a git the machine is being.