Leaky brakes

Post by **LordAnthony** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 7:25 pm

Hello,

I've got a leak in my braking system. Well I haven't, my car has.
It seems to be leaking from the 3 way joint on the rear axle. Trouble is I can't tighten the nut up any more than it is. This probably isn't helped by the 3 way connector not actually being attached to anything.

So my questions this week are:

How do I stop the leak - tighten/untighten the nut and how?
What should the bracket be bolted to?

Here's a picture of my immaculate underside showing the leaky nut (the shiny one).

http://www.23hq.com/lordanthony/photo/4 ... id=4353956

Post by **tingo** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 7:54 pm

I had the same problem. The only way I could get them apart was to hacksaw through the brake pipe so that I could remove it from the car. I was replacing the brake pies anyway.

I then locked a pair of mole-grip pliers onto each half and twisted HARD. Be prepared that the joint might break if you are unlucky.

Someone else might have a better technique - I'm not an expert.

Post by **aupickup** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 8:33 pm

well the bracket on the 3 way is attached to the diff, u will find a hole in teh diff outer casting for it

Post by **tingo** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:51 pm

If you do break the joint you can get one for £1.50 in the Parts for Sale section of the forum:

http://www.mmoc.org.uk/index.php?name=P ... ic&t=25989

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:22 pm

A 3 way that is unsupported will eventually lead to fatigued brake pipes and possible breakage. Check that the unions used are the correct ones of the correct length. I'd also check/change the rear flexi as the oil on it will degrade the rubber causing seepage and cracking. As AU says there is a hole in the diff flange/rib to which this 3 way should be attatched.

Post by **LordAnthony** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:05 am

Thanks chaps. I'll be taking the train to work until the weekend then...

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:51 am

Interesting '3 way' - it seems to be marked UNF on the hose connection - which is correct. The other two connections should be BSF (a courser thread) - so be sure to use the correct new fittings. It does look like new flexi hose and new pipes to the cylinders are required - and v possibly a new 3 way too!
The cost is minimal - safety is important.