Brake Line Leaking Anyone Ever Had This?

Brent · 07-19-2009, 08:19 PM

Hi Guys,

Bad news, I did my brakes last weekend and unfortunately, I think that the system tightened everything up, and my brake line under the car (the steel pipe) is leaking. It will have to be replaced...anyone ever had this done?

How much is it for a mechanic to do this? I would consider doing it myself, but I have to admit it looks a little tricky and I am a bit nervous about doing it right...

Thank you for your help.

Brent

supernaught · 07-19-2009, 10:34 PM

I had it quoted to me at a shop for $400 parts and labour about 6 months ago. Parts are few and cheap, but its a bitch of a job. I'm never keen on dropping my gas tank to do lines.

Ceeker · 07-19-2009, 11:10 PM

not a fun job replacing rusted lines. 400 is worth it if they do it clean and right. Some guys just slap the lines in without the proper bends and looks sloppy.

El Gato Liso · 07-20-2009, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supernaught

I had it quoted to me at a shop for $400 parts and labour about 6 months ago. Parts are few and cheap, but its a bitch of a job. I'm never keen on dropping my gas tank to do lines.

i did mine in my backyard didnt have to take anything out. you're making it more complicated than it is.

everlast · 07-20-2009, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Gato Liso

i did mine in my backyard didnt have to take anything out. you're making it more complicated than it is.

I've done two E30s. It's thankless unforgiving work. I got a replacement line from a donor car and it was still a thankless job.

You must be a wizard. I vote for you to be the "brake line guy" whom we all turn to for free brake line installs.

richie_s999 · 07-20-2009, 09:35 AM

When I got my E30 I put in a new tank, while the exhaust and drive shaft and tank were out I replaced all the lines above the tank just cause I had everything appart. If your getting it done its a good chance to get a few other things done while its all apart. Since you have the tank out, take a good look at it, if any of the lines on the gas tank are questionable or the tank itself, do it and save doing it down the road. Its also a good time to look at the rubber guibo on the drive shaft, good time to change it as well.
also a good time to replace the carrier bearing on the drive shaft.

Getting things done while they are out of the car will save you headaches and money in the long run!!!!

supernaught · 07-20-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Gato Liso

i did mine in my backyard didnt have to take anything out. you're making it more complicated than it is.

All hard lines from front to back on my IX requires removal of the tank unless you have a trained greasemonkey-squirrel with kung-fu grip to get up in there and do the fittings. And like Rich said if you have to do the brakelines, chances are good you should be doing the fuel lines too.

everlast · 07-20-2009, 10:16 AM

The connections at the front of the car can be a pain the ass too, if they're at all seized.

Plan on replacing all the hard and soft lines at the rear of the car too, even if they don't appear too bad. Remember, the hard lines may rust from the inside out and the soft are apt to be bad if the hard lines are. There are two small hard lines after the "T" at the back, then two soft, two more hard that run along the rear trailing arm, then two more soft to the caliper. Might as well replace the seals in the calipers while its all apart.

Fun huh.

e30_kid89 · 07-20-2009, 11:59 AM

mine are still in good condition, but I still would like to do em' all when the car is hibernating...

At least I'll be able to pull my rear subframe out easily..

Brent · 07-20-2009, 08:25 PM

Great advice as always, thanks everyone. My regular mechanic stepped up and said he would do each line for $240. He put a new engine in my civic and I have a lot of faith in him. I'll ask him about all the things you guys mentioned to do while he is replacing the line (s). Rich, I'm 50-50 for the cruise, depending on how the work goes. I'll also have to pass an e test...

richie_s999 · 07-20-2009, 10:40 PM

come out for the cruise anyways, we had 25 plus cars last meet hopefully more this weekend, vids are posted too

Brent · 07-21-2009, 07:08 AM

Ok, Rich, you've talked me into it, I'll be there, either in an E30 or Civic! I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone's cars and putting some faces to the names on the site.

richie_s999 · 07-21-2009, 07:30 AM

LOL that was easy...I'll talk to you at the meet about some land in south Florida I have for sale

supernaught · 07-21-2009, 09:02 AM

rich, wheres the thread about the meet?

richie_s999 · 07-21-2009, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supernaught

rich, wheres the thread about the meet?

http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/show...99#post1327099

sorry to highjack Brent LOL but see you guys sunday.