8 replies to this topic

[bobbyblue]

1994 855 T. the brake pad replacement job, as done per Murphy's law: It started with a R & R of the right rear brake pads. New pads purchased, wheel removed, and old pads removed. Saw that the inner piston was stuck all the way in, and its pad was almost new, but the outer piston was stuck all the way out, and its pad had a 1/16th left. The two pistons would not let go, so I decided to R & R the whole caliper. Got replacement calipers and went to remove the brake line fitting. It was stuck tight, so some PB was applied, and I waited for it to soak in. But, of course, the fitting stripped - rounded, even when using a brake line fitting wrench. Ack.

I assume I will have to vice grip the fitting loose, and I assume that will destroy the fitting. I have a replacement fitting, BTW. My first thought was to remove the fitting from the caliper, then slide the fitting back away from the end and cut the line off there, using a proper tubing cutter, not a saw. Then slide the fitting off, put on the replacement, then flare the tube, and hook it up. It looks to me like I'll lose maybe an inch of the brake line like that, and I'm hoping that is OK to do. Am I on the right track?

I have a little experience doing brake work, but it went by the book. Which is what got me into trouble here. What is my best path to take? Should I get the fitting loose, cut the end of the brake line, get a flair kit (if so, what is a good one?) or R &R the entire line from a parts car?

[Oreo931]

Personally, I would buy a new rear line from Volvo. They aren't too expensive (~$35-$40 I think). I had a similar experience installing my rear BBK, and it was just easier and faster IMO to replace with a new line. Also, you'll likely run into similar problems pulling old, used brake lines off a parts car.

[T5BLACKattack]

New line.. why question your braking ability!

[bobbyblue]

I factor in the time to get a part of a donor car, for sure. And for pulling the entire line out of my car, too. Doesn't Volvo sell a "blank" brake line kit? That is just a roll of bend it yourself pipe with a fitting on each end?

[Oreo931]

I factor in the time to get a part of a donor car, for sure. And for pulling the entire line out of my car, too. Doesn't Volvo sell a "blank" brake line kit? That is just a roll of bend it yourself pipe with a fitting on each end?

Yes, they do come in straight, unbent form. The rear lines, however, are much shorter than the fronts and have very few bends. It's a really easy job.

[bobbyblue]

Yes, they do come in straight, unbent form. The rear lines, however, are much shorter than the fronts and have very few bends. It's a really easy job.

Thanks- good to know its easy. I was looking at my Haynes to see if they had a pic of the rear lines, but nothing there. Would you know where I can get a pic? I'm probably going to get it from FCP.

[Oreo931]

Thanks- good to know its easy. I was looking at my Haynes to see if they had a pic of the rear lines, but nothing there. Would you know where I can get a pic? I'm probably going to get it from FCP.

I'd normally recommend FCP, but I don't think they sell Genuine Volvo rear lines -- I think they are scan tech. I would NOT recommend scan tech products, especially for brakes.

This is the only pic I have from when I replaced my line. Not too helpful, especially b/c you don't have the same brake caliper, but it still gives you a general idea.




Here's a diagram of the rear brake lines:

[bobbyblue]

Thanks for the pic. part #18 is the flex line, I gather, so that really is a short run, and I can simply take the old line off at the junction of the flex line. Much easier than I thought...

[bobbyblue]

Just a thanks to the community, and a wrap up..... Yep, Murphy's law, from top to bottom: I already had both rear calipers, and got both rear brake lines today. My gut said be prepared for the worst and it was right again.. The Right side fitting, of course was rounded at the caliper, so i removed it at the junction with the flex line, And, no it did not come loose easily, even with careful hammer taps on the wrench. It wasn't until the profanity got to the "MF-BLF" level that it gave way. The left side went together fine, so I hoped the Volvo gods would smile on me, and the left side would be a simple R & R of the pads. Nope. Mr. Murphy stepped in, the left caliper was bad, too, the pistons would not retract even with the line fitting cracked open to let off the pressure, and it, and the line had to be replaced. At least that was easy but messy. . I let as much as I could run out, while keeping the master rev. filled, but I think I may need to replace all the brake fluid. The scary part was when the brake fluid was dripping, the right side was clear, looking almost virgin, but the left side was dark... If I read this right, the car has been running around for years with little braking on the right rear, I guess just one pad doing the stopping, maybe from the time the PO had the rear pads replaced. Definite change in braking power now. So thanks again for the help....

"I let as much as I could run out, while keeping the master rev. filled, "

I let quite a bit of brake fluid run out, while keeping the master reservoir filled,