Sandro Seminara Posted January 21, 2010 Report Share Posted January 21, 2010 One of the brake lines on my 95 850 has some pretty terrible wear on the rubber section. I ordered the part and hope to replace it over the weekend. I've been told that I should pick up a set of line wrenches to best get the nut off the connecting line. My question is what sizes are needed to seperate the two? 11mm and 14mm? Also I read some where that I have to cut the old the original flair and replace the nut. Could someone please help explain a litte better on whats all entailed? Sandro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bergmjs Posted January 21, 2010 Report Share Posted January 21, 2010 If youre just replacing the rubber hose that goes from the end of the metal brake line to the caliper all you need a set of normal crescent wrenches, or even an adjustable. There's a collar fitting where the metal brake line meets the rubber one that you loosen until the rubber hose pops out (put a pan under the whole thing to catch the brake fluid), then you just unscrew the hose out of the caliper. Screw the new one in the caliper, then pop it into that collar and re-tighten; bleed the system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erikv11 Posted January 21, 2010 Report Share Posted January 21, 2010 that's a clear good description of how to do the swap, but I would not go near the brake line fittings with an adjustable (i.e. crescent) or fixed (i.e. box) end wrench, I agree with OP you want flare nut wrenches that contact on all 6 sides. Once you start to round those soft fittings you are screwed, it is a very common problem on all cars not just Volvos - use the right tool. Nope I don't know what sizes and it's too cold and icy to go check . I do know the Craftsman set of 3 wrenches (6 sizes) has both sizes you need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the commissar! Posted January 21, 2010 Report Share Posted January 21, 2010 that's a clear good description of how to do the swap, but I would not go near the brake line fittings with an adjustable (i.e. crescent) or fixed (i.e. box) end wrench, I agree with OP you want flare nut wrenches that contact on all 6 sides. Once you start to round those soft fittings you are screwed, it is a very common problem on all cars not just Volvos - use the right tool. Nope I don't know what sizes and it's too cold and icy to go check . I do know the Craftsman set of 3 wrenches (6 sizes) has both sizes you need. Agreed...or you could do a loan a tool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bergmjs Posted January 21, 2010 Report Share Posted January 21, 2010 I just sprayed the whole thing with liquid wrench then let it sit and it turn just fine with an standard open ended wrench. If yours is more stuck on I suppose the correct tool for the job would be safer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renns Posted January 21, 2010 Report Share Posted January 21, 2010 I just swapped one of these out a couple months back. If you're swapping out the hose, cut the hose off flush with the fittings. Then you can slide a deep socket over the fitting to properly engage the hex on the hose end. At the end where the hose connects to the hard line, you may want to give it 20 seconds of heat from a propane torch. That loosens the bond between the line fitting and hose end, and it'll likely come apart easy. To install the new hose, a std open end wrench should be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bergmjs Posted January 22, 2010 Report Share Posted January 22, 2010 I feel like putting a flame to any car fluid isn't a good idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renns Posted January 22, 2010 Report Share Posted January 22, 2010 I feel like putting a flame to any car fluid isn't a good idea. Heat is just another tool in a mechanics tool chest. Used properly it can free frozen fasteners, and save brake fittings that would otherwise be rounded to the point of being useless. Of course appropriate precautions need to be used. Those not comfortable should use alternate methods! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
db130 Posted January 22, 2010 Report Share Posted January 22, 2010 i agree with the use of heat via a handheld torch. even brake line wrenches could round off a brake hose fitting if the fittings are seized. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erikv11 Posted January 22, 2010 Report Share Posted January 22, 2010 Brake fluid boils very easily, if you use a torch on a brake line either cut it first as mentioned, or be prepared for an exploding (ok, "popping") brake hose (eye protection etc). And be sure to do a nice long bleed to get rid of the boiled brake fluid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bergmjs Posted January 22, 2010 Report Share Posted January 22, 2010 Yes, I know heat is another tool, but putting a flame to the actual fluid itself can be dangerous. Granted brake fluid has a very high flash point and it probably wont ignite, it's still possible. Just saying you need precaution for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burn-E Posted January 22, 2010 Report Share Posted January 22, 2010 Just to be clear, this is the same process if I'm putting steel braided brake lines on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bergmjs Posted January 22, 2010 Report Share Posted January 22, 2010 Should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erikv11 Posted January 23, 2010 Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 Yes, I know heat is another tool, but putting a flame to the actual fluid itself can be dangerous. Granted brake fluid has a very high flash point and it probably wont ignite, it's still possible. Just saying you need precaution for it. I'm actually with you on this one, I would not use a torch on a brake line except as a last resort. But a lot of people here do it, so if you do be sure to bleed it afterwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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