How to Prevent Brake Line Fluid Loss When Replacing Lines

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1FZj80

1FZj80

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I am replacing the frame to axel brake lines and after I remove the existing lines I would like to plug the brake line with something other than my finger to stop the fluid from draining out while I get the new ones ready to install. Any suggetions? Basically need a mini rubber/cork stopper thingy or something like that...
 
just let it run. it doesnt hurt to replace the fluid now and again anyway.
just be aware its a very aggressive paint and coating striper.
 
you can disconnect your battery (or brake pedal switch, or remove the stop lamp fuse) and then push the brake pedal down 1" and hold it there.

This will close the compensating port in the brake master, and most of the fluid will stay put.

A cut-to-fit stick works pretty good, jammed up between the front of the seat and the brake pedal.

Obviously you still need to bleed the system afterwards.

I recommend battery disconnecting, because you won't forget to put the fuse back, or plug the switch back in and drive off. Pretty hard to drive off without the battery connected. It's bad news to drive around with no brake lights!

If you're doing this quickly, having the stop lamp on for a few minutes won't damage anything. But if you're spending 1/2 hour.... disconnect the battery.
 
Pin_Head said:
Exactly

Why even think about it?

You are going to bleed them anyway.
Click to expand...

My only concern is having to prime and bleed the master cylinder and ABS thingy if I just let the fluid drain out. But, maybe I'm wrong and that won't happen or is not a big deal???

I can easily bleed plenty of fluid through the lines, so I would rather stop the flow when I disconnect the lines.
 
projectcruiser said:
Why wouldnt you just put some vice grips on the rubber lines?

I do this all the time, i just generally spray some WD40 on the line incase its dry to prevent cracking.
Click to expand...

This is not a recommended procedure. Old lines can fail when clamped.

It's usually best to just swap the hoses/calipers/whatever one at a time, and be efficient about it.

If you're worried about it, fill the reservoir to the top, and balance an open bottle of brake fluid upside-down onto the reservoir like a birdfeeder to keep it topped up.
 
projectcruiser said:
Why wouldnt you just put some vice grips on the rubber lines?

I do this all the time, i just generally spray some WD40 on the line incase its dry to prevent cracking.
Click to expand...

x37 bad idea. And putting oil on the lines won't help anything, just makes it more difficult to see the damage you do.
 
Take the little black plugs off of the bleeder valve and slide it over the open, dripping line. Stops it completely from dripping.
 
+1 for golf tee. That's what I've always used--fit right every time, and only leak a little.
 
Once again bumping an old thread to the top. (It's like, duh, of course this info has been known for years -- where have you been? Can't you remember this trivia?)

80-series brake axle-to-frame fittings are M10 x 1.0 pitch. Search on Amazon and you'll find several options for inexpensive do-dads to use to keep brake fluid from leaking out of the lines during service work. :cheers:
 
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