Remove stuck brake lines

[MichaelBeckNZ]

Hi All

Set about replacing my brake lines today. The union was removed from the master cylinder with no problem but when removing from the front 3 way fitting / brake light switch I ran into a problem.
I can unthread the fittings with each but cannot get them out the 3 way - I can turn them around by hand / pull on the line, Move the line back and forth (as the fitting is unthreaded all the way etc but they do not want to come out of the actual 3 way. I have checked they are fully unthreaded.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[philthehill]

Put the 3 way union in the vice and pull harder.
It is not unknown for the flare to become stuck under the thread.
I would recommend the use of Kunifer metal brake pipes and not copper as the copper pipes can harden and fracture.

[MichaelBeckNZ]

Thanks for your reply Phil - Whats the best way if all 3 brake lines are line this? Simply cut them?

[philthehill]

As you are replacing the brake pipes/lines it is easier to cut them - there is no need to make the job harder than it is.
As regards the flare distortion - when refitting the old pipes it was sometimes necessary to run a file round the outside of the flare to enable the flare to fit back inside the union.

[MichaelBeckNZ]

Ahh i see now what has happened. Thanks for your advice!

[rayofleamington]

If the fittings are over-tightened they will distort and it makes the flare wider - the pipe nuts get distorted to a point they don't go in/out of the female.

If it's a small difference they can be dressed with a file but best solution is to replace them as they are already out of shape.
(Easier said than done if you are doing a wheel cylinder change and need the car back together ASAP)