S.O.S. ! Leaking Brake Line

[tarbe]

Got 5 pages of posts on my search, but no help...I must be the only bloke who can't get Slee's SS brake line to seal.

I've only done rear. It drips out the male end that goes into the three-way on the diff. I have tightened it down as tight as I dare. I'd hate to rip the three-way bugger lose from the diff.

I notice the Slee hose fitting is threaded all the way to the end, the OE is not.

What's the deal? Am I the only one that doesn't know the secret handshake?

I saw some folks talking about washers, but there are/were no washers on this fitting. The only washers that came with the lines were really large ones that appear to be used with the clips to secure the lines on the mounting brackets.

<Stranded in Houston>

 

[Junk]

Call the shop. You'd be surprised how many times they are there during off hours. Good for us, but not so for them I guess.

 

[Rich]

Well, either the end fitting on the hose is malformed, or you have it cross threaded, or you have dirt in the fitting preventing proper fit up, or you have not tightened the fitting enough. I expect the fitting seals the same as other common hydraulic brake fittings, I.E. the tapered end of the male fitting seals against the tapered female fitting. Examine both closely for dirt. Use a bright light and compressed air to blow out the female fitting.

If you don't see any dirt or cross threading problems, then reinstall the old hose. If the leakage stops, then try the new hose. If the new hose still leaks, then, obviously, the new hose is faulty.

 

[CruisinGA]

Before doing any brake line work, you should have a line wrench to do it with. Having one greatly reduces likelihood of stripping a fitting.

Avail. at Napa or Sears.

 

[tarbe]

Thanks for the brainstorming guys.

I re-installed it and probably cranked a little harder than the first time. I am leary of really grunting on fittings and fasteners because I have a history of breaking stuff.

Anyway, it hasn't leaked in 20 minutes. I guess it is time to put some pressure on it and see what happens!

Thanks again!

 

[lurker]

You have to use a washer above and below the banjo bolt or it will leak.

 

[tarbe]

You have to use a washer above and below the banjo bolt or it will leak.

???

No banjo bolts. We're talking about the flex brake lines from the frame to the axle housings. No washers, no banjo bolts.

 

[lurker]

With all the brake lines that I've ever seen, the connections where made from connector to connector (banjo - bolt ect..) with a washer involved to conform to the machining/castings flaws between the 2 surfaces, unless pipe thread tape is being used on block type mounting connections.

BTW whats 2 brake line washers or pipe tape going to cost, 50 cents?

Give it a shot.

 

[Eric_FJ40]

Same here last week.

I put Christo's SS lines on my 1991 just last week. Everything looked good until I started bleeding the brakes and then both the front and rear started leaking exactly like yours. I cranked a little harder on them and they stopped - so far so good, but it freaked me out a little too!

Eric

 

[tarbe]

I put Christo's SS lines on my 1991 just last week. Everything looked good until I started bleeding the brakes and then both the front and rear started leaking exactly like yours. I cranked a little harder on them and they stopped - so far so good, but it freaked me out a little too!

Eric

I've gone about 100 miles now without any leaking. I guess I just didn't have the bugger bottomed out.


Thanks again guys for all the brainstorming. It sure helps to have friends who will encourage you through the little trials!

 

[Rookie2]

It seems a lot of folks have gone to the SS brake lines. What are the main reasons for this? Is this just the natural progression from replacing old OE lines, or is there a bigger reason out there?

Thanks,
Rookie2

 

[CruisinGA]

I have SS on my 40 because it is avail. in longer lengths.

It is generally stronger, does not flex under pressure, less prone to crack/melt.

 

[Beowulf]

Rookie2,
Main reason was longer lengths for the OME "L" shocks. Secondary benefit was improved brake pedal feel though the new lines were accompanied by new brake fluid so it's hard to say how much improvement was due to the SS brake lines. I think most of the improvement but can't prove it.

-B-

 

[Eric_FJ40]

Rookie2-

It was the length of the lines for me. The secondary benefits are as Beowulf describe. I have them on my FJ40 as well.

Eric