1998 s70 replacing brake lines, need some advice!

JRev · Post by **JRev** » 05 Aug 2015, 05:05

So on my previous thread I mentioned about changing the rear brake hoses and the hose that needed to be replaced was the one in a tight spot and the torx screw wouldn't come out and as you may know access there is a nightmare (even with car on axle stands) so I had to use a mini hacksaw to cut that bracket so I can remove the hard pipe from the Y splitter and fit the hose.

The other issue I have had is that the hard pipe from the caliper (rear right) snapped so I had to remove the hard pipe and I have ordered a replacement line which I will bend into shape to run to the hose.

When I fit the new brake pipe from the caliper to the hose and connect that hose to the pipe running to the left Y splitter, is it as simple as topping up the reservoir and then bleeding the system to remove all the air?

Or will I face other complications such as needing a new caliper for the rear right?

Any advice be appreciated as I'm learning on the go here and I'm lucky that I can test the brakes on private land before I get the car back on road!

Thanks!

mika · Post by **mika** » 05 Aug 2015, 12:26

you should not need a new caliper, just hook it up. Have someone pump brake pedal and while they hold the brake, just unscrew the nipple and keep doing this until you get some flow. (or use a bleeder) FYI, some people like to run some fluid into the line before they hook it up I heard.

I hate doing any brake lines. Have not had any success yet. Took out my struts yesterday and it kinked the hoses even more (steering knuckle loose with no shock).

JRev · Post by **JRev** » 05 Aug 2015, 16:03

Thanks. The fun will start when I bend the new line but I ordered some cheap copper pipe to practice the route and then will just bend the new line to follow.

Someone mentioned I may need a new caliper but didn't make sense so I hope it's going to be simple enough.

Seems quite a few people give up on the rear hoses due to their location and pay a garage and I nearly gave up but on we go!

Post by **RussB** » 05 Aug 2015, 18:24

Can you loosen the bleeders? Soak them with a good penetrating oil and use a 6-point wrench to open it. They are notorious for breaking off, then you will need a new caliper. It has happened to me many times in the past. New England road salt reeks havoc with cars

Post by **oragex** » 05 Aug 2015, 20:15

I would sand clean and soak the bleeder several times weeks in advance with a real penetrating oil such as Liquid Wrench. Got it in the end, but was real tough

Post by **abscate** » 06 Aug 2015, 05:23

oragex wrote:I would sand clean and soak the bleeder several times weeks in advance with a real penetrating oil such as Liquid Wrench. Got it in the end, but was real tough

Soaking these over many days is key here. Wire brush them first to get the penetrant into the threads, then repeated applications over a week before you start trying to move them.

Then, replace them with new ones!!

JRev · Post by **JRev** » 06 Aug 2015, 06:20

Ok! thanks for the tips! I'm waiting for the parts to arrive, which won't arrive until next week, which gives me time to prepare..........I had a feeling this brake job wouldn't go as smoothly as it should!

Post by **RussB** » 06 Aug 2015, 07:39

Brake jobs never do. The older the car, the worse they get

Post by **v-45magna** » 09 Aug 2015, 14:47

abscate wrote: replace them with new ones!!

I have been putting off replacing mine but will need to do them in the next couple of weeks. Have have the parts for years now. I wondered about replacing the bleeders. Are there any favorites out there? Or any brands to avoid?

Post by **abscate** » 10 Aug 2015, 04:52

They are 3 bucks at FCP, but check with your Volvo dealer or FLAPS. They are a standard 7mm thread ( varying wrench size ) screw...bring in your old ones to match of course.