98 v70 rubber brake line

Post by **98v70dad** » 14 Feb 2015, 17:00

Today I put new struts on my car. I had no issues since the instructions on this site are so good. It took all day since I had to do a few things twice due to my own stupidity. Anyhow, while I was working I noticed that the outer rubber part of the brake line is very badly cracked all the way around where the rubber stops and the crimp on the end fitting begins.

I don't know that much about these lines. It seems the rubber on the outside is for protection and there is some sort of inner line. I took the car for a test drive and the brakes works fine, no leaks. My plan is to replace the lines and bleed the brakes at the first convenient opportunity....probably in a few weeks.

Is this a reasonable approach or is replacing the rubber lines urgent and something I should do right away?

Post by **misha** » 14 Feb 2015, 17:52

It depends on how long they are in that shape,but they must be replaced for your safety.

Post by **98v70dad** » 14 Feb 2015, 18:43

misha wrote:It depends on how long they are in that shape,but they must be replaced for your safety.

Thanks for your comment misha but it isn't really very helpful since I already knew that the lines need to be replaced. My question was about how soon.

I suspect that the movement that happened today with the strut replacement had a lot to do with the cracking. Anyhow, any comments about how urgently this needs to be addressed would be appreciated.

Post by **erikv11** » 14 Feb 2015, 19:17

Cracks in the outer sheath are very common, probably 75% of the P80 cars on the road have them. I replace the lines in a timely fashion when I see that.

The OEM lines are very high quality, made by ATE, here is a recent discussion including some comments on cracks and sources for parts https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... p?p=355816

Post by **98v70dad** » 14 Feb 2015, 20:03

erikv11 wrote:Cracks in the outer sheath are very common, probably 75% of the P80 cars on the road have them. I replace the lines in a timely fashion when I see that.

The OEM lines are very high quality, made by ATE, here is a recent discussion including some comments on cracks and sources for parts https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... p?p=355816

I know cracks are common. Mine are cracked 360 degrees all around at the highest stress point. I'll read the thread. Thanks.

Post by **erikv11** » 14 Feb 2015, 21:42

Just trying to answer your question, didn't mean to be redundant. Again ...

Post by **jreed** » 15 Feb 2015, 05:48

I had visible cracks on my lines for about 4-5 years before there was noticeable swelling -- this is just my experience and yours could be very different. I would imagine that you might be able to get away with careful monitoring of the cracks for some time.

I wrote up a short step-by-step guide on changing the lines here, including the exterior cracks and cross-sectional views of the swelling of the worn-out brake lines:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=58362

Post by **98v70dad** » 15 Feb 2015, 06:10

98v70dad wrote:
erikv11 wrote:Cracks in the outer sheath are very common, probably 75% of the P80 cars on the road have them. I replace the lines in a timely fashion when I see that.

The OEM lines are very high quality, made by ATE, here is a recent discussion including some comments on cracks and sources for parts https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... p?p=355816
I know cracks are common. Mine are cracked 360 degrees all around at the highest stress point. I'll read the thread. Thanks.

Sorry if I sounded annoyed. I wasn't at all. But to me there's a big difference between a crack and cracked all around at a stress point. The pictures you linked to were just general cracking.

I don't have a good place to work so I have to work in the driveway. The HIGH today is supposed to be 32 degrees and I don't want to be replacing brake lines out in that cold. Also, getting a part will be a problem on a Sunday. I'll be able to get something but not what I want.

I'm just trying the decide if I can let this go for a couple of weeks or if I need to get it fixed today. The car needs to be driveable tomorrow. If the answer is today I'll take it for an alignment and get all 4 brake hoses replaced while it's there. It will be absurdly expensive, though and I'll probably end up with junk for the hoses.....sometimes you have to take it somewhere because of time limitations.

I've considered wrapping the hose at the heavily cracked area with self fusing silicon tape as temporary fix .... I haven't sold myself on that idea yet.

Post by **98v70dad** » 15 Feb 2015, 06:25

Oh and another thing is that my daughter drives this car over 100 miles each day on the highway in Atlanta traffic. She is the primary driver, so I'd like to know the brakes aren't at risk of failing in a few days.

Post by **JRL** » 15 Feb 2015, 06:33

You can wait until the Spring/Summer
Why don't you replace the fronts with SS lines, good for almost forever and the brakes should work a bit getter (a bit less pedal fade).