850 rear flexi-brake hoses. How to replace?

[mecheng]

Those v jaw pliers are great and good info. But I would be hesitant to replace the Volvo hard lines because I think they are some kind of bronze or brass alloy, they don’t rust. I’d be very curious to know what they used. Many replacement lines are coated steel. My Acura and Honda’s used coated steel and they were garbage

[moses3]

Hi everyone, I'm a first time Volvo owner, a 1997 850 GLT FWD.

This car came from California and has minimal rust on it. I changed the front brake hoses with ease and turned my attention to the rear ones.

Both look difficult, but I'm confused from the comments here which one is more difficult, the passenger or driver side?

The 25 year old rubber looks dry rotted, so I'm greatly tempted to replace them. I'm also wondering if maybe the rubber can be rehydrated with something like Permatex Black gasket sealer, one guy told me he did that with a CV boot.

Another thought is too wrap them with extreme temperature rubber tape, just to add some protection from the elements?

Thank you

[volvolugnut]

If the brake tubes look bad, go ahead and replace them. Don't mess around with treating them. A leak could be fatal.
volvolugnut

[PeteB]

Pictures toward the end:
viewtopic.php?t=81875

[moses3]

PeteB - thanks for this information, I'm still confused about which one is more DIFFICULT to replace, they keep saying RH - are they referring to the passenger side here in the US?

[scot850]

They are BOTH hard to replace. The flexi on the LHS rear is tucked up in a cavity forward of the LHR wheel which makes it a challenge to reach. This is where access to a hoist would help as you don't need to support the car by the jacking point which is in the way.

I would soak the connections several times over a couple of days to give you as best a chance to remove the hoses. Also wire brush the pipes to metal pipes to give a better chance to allow the ends to rotate without shearing the metal pipes.

The other flexi hose is mounted on top of the rear axle near the RHS (just) but on top of the axle. Again, access to a hoist helps as it gives you a better view of what you are working on. Again, soaking the hose ends and connectors prior to tackling should help.

The one thing I cannot stress enough is to have a good brake pipe flare wrench. When I did this, I found it hard to find an 11mm flare wrench and those I did all flexed and tried to round the flats. I paid up for a Snap on branded flare wrench and it was solid. Expensive but well worth the price!

It can be done on axle stands supporting the car and wheels off as I did it, especially if you are young and flexible!

I found it harder as I am neither of those.

I discovered recently we have a place called U-Wrench where you can rent a repair bay with a hoist and tools. Problem as always is it may come close to the price of paying a pro with a hoist in the first place! It is one of those jobs I would gladly pay someone else to do, although now I have a hoist in the garage, I would probably tackle it again.

Neil.

[moses3]

Thanks Neil, this car came from California and has no rust.... I'm tempted to do this job before rust sets in. I looked at the hoses today, the one on the driver's side looks excellent, maybe it was already replaced.

The one on the passenger side looked frayed on both ends, I'm guessing it's original.

I have an awesome flare wrench set that I bought at NAPA 15 years ago. Very high quality, most of my cars have been Toyotas and they are famous for soft nuts and bolts.

My flare wrenches effortlessly removed the front hoses. It was too easy. They were original, 25 years old, frayed on both ends.

I spray everything I work on with Sili-Kroil, wait an hour and then liquid wrench lubricating oil. Works like magic.

I have a gravel driveway, it's going to hurt! And I live in the rust belt, so I don't want to wait.... I love this car!

[volvolugnut]

Get a large double cardboard box to use on the ground. It will protect you from the rocks and also absorb any spills. I do this all the time.
volvolugnut

[moses3]

I have a stack of such boxes, I broke in a few today replacing control arms, sway bar links, bleeding the brakes. Still painful

[scot850]

Wow, haven't heard of Sili-Kroil for a long time. Great stuff!

Neil.