Replacing flexible brake hoses

[djheath]

Quick question, when replacing the flexy brake hoes, does that little clip that holds the hose to the wheel arch have to come off first, or can the brake hose be undone with it still in place?

Thanks!!

[mjb]

Front of rear?

If it's the same as the V6 coupe's front ones (with the Brembos), the clip is attached to the pip/hose joint if memory serves.

[djheath]

Sorry, fronts. I am just trying to work out the best way to replace them which:
a: minimises brake fluid loss.
b: minimises hard brake lines twisting
c: is the most easy method!

From looking at them, I think I might remove the clip which holds the hose on, so I can get some mole grips around the brake union nut of the hard brake line. Then use a spanner to rotate the hose, keeping the union as still as possible and loosen them from the brake union. They are really corroded you see and I really don't want to twist and brake the hard brake lines or I will cry and have no way to fix it if it happens!

But If I cant remove the clip unitil the union is disconnected than that plan goes out the window and I will just have to be as careful as possible.

[mjb]

My 175,000 mile hoses were badly perished, and there's definitely no shortage of rust and corrosion on the car. However, the hose-to-pipe connections came apart easily. The calliper ends however were a different story

[djheath]

The calliper ends however were a different story

*cry*

Thanks,

Well, I am gonna soak them in plusgas or similar from now until I attempt them in two weeks, so hopefully it will all run smoothly!!*



* famous last words!

[mjb]

they were no huge problem - One tore its pipe off and the other I cut off. It's actually easier that way because you can just slap a socket on it

[HimBigChief]

I agree with MJB above, I'd cut the pipe off at the top and bottom, stick a brake spanner on the fixed pipe end and use a socket to undo the remains of the brake pipe. To minimise twisting, I'd put the top of the new pipe in first, then I'd remove the caliper and then spin the caliper round on the end of the new pipe before refitting caliper.