front brake flex hoses

dhaavers · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:11 am Post subject: front brake flex hoses

Pearls of wisdom from the "What did you do today?" files:
(Because I did MANY, MULTIPLE searches but ever found any other specific helps re: flex lines/hoses...)

dhaavers · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:11 am Post subject:

dhaavers · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:12 am Post subject:

dhaavers · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:14 am Post subject:

Just to piggyback on teej's project...

* FWIW: teej had notched the sheet metal for wrench access - see his pic #3 above -

Just got through this same gruelling procedure and was similarly frustrated with the sheet metal bracket, but
on closer inspection it appeared to be just pop riveted in place; in fact there was only one out of five rivets
still holding and I made the job a TON easier by just pulling the thing off by hand! Of course, you could drill it out...

In the process you'll gain free & clear access to the brake line union & even allow your choice
of approach angles & suitable tools. Finish by sanding the rust, coat in & out with bedliner & rivet back in place.

Driver's side in process: (bracket pulled & hose out - already cleaned & sprayed w/bedliner)

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Could it be any easier to get to? Cool

Pass side all back in place:

I had assumed the purpose of the bracket was to prevent stone/rock damage to the flex hose union;
now it seems more likely it's just to keep the big chunks out of the battery box vent.

I'll finish by adding a couple copper scrubbies to prevent mouse infiltration...

Rolling Eyes

_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

randywebb · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 11:56 am Post subject:

congrats - you won't have to do it again for 15 years
_________________
1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

dhaavers · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 3:35 pm Post subject:

OK - I need a spec check...

Before putting the wheel back on to finish this, I noticed that the new hose seems a trifle short once in place.
With the wheel straight ahead, the hose is pulled straight and seems slightly strained at both ends.
It obviously won't allow turning either direction without a great deal of additional strain on the hose.

Comparing lengths:
Old hose = 18.5 inches
New hose = 16 inches

I called the supplier and he says they "sell a lot of 'em" and he even told me they SHOULD be 16 inches...

Anyone out there have a spec or better source for hoses?
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 3:49 pm Post subject:

dhaavers · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:06 pm Post subject:

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:22 pm Post subject:

presslab · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:35 pm Post subject:

Perales · Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 5:01 am Post subject:

For what it's worth, I had recently ordered the GoWesty stainless braided brake lines (not yet installed) and the front lines measure 18.5". I would be concerned with the 16" lines if they have that much tension with a full turn.
Who supplied the 16" lines and advised that were correct?

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23347&category_id=&category_parent_id= front
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23346&category_id=&category_parent_id= rear
_________________
-- 1987 Westfalia automatic (Captain Vino)

chojinchef · Samba Member Joined: February 17, 2011 Posts: 1539

dhaavers · Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 6:32 am Post subject:

Got 'em on sale here about a year ago: http://www.partsplaceinc.com/products/product-deta...;sku=12508

At that time these were listed in their catalog for all vans 1980-1992, so I thought I was ordering the right hose.
FWIW - they thought so too, as I listed my year & model on the order form like a good guy...followed the rules... Rolling Eyes

As you can see in the link, spec for that hose is now corrected to just years 80-85.

86 is the year calipers changed from ATE to Girling and the hose mounting point moved from a bracket below the
upper ball joint (see Vanagon Nut's pic above) to a small bracket much lower and attached directly to the caliper (see my pic below).
Hence, the need for the additional 2.5"... Idea

Needless to say, I've contacted PartsPlace & they're working on getting me the correct hoses.

Winston Churchill said it: "Trust, but verify." Rolling Eyes

_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

dhaavers · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:04 am Post subject:

PS - Anyone need a pair of 80-85 hoses? I can't use 'em & I'll make ya a deal. <send a PM>

I've got the correct ones coming from VanCafe as we speak...
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

MarkWard · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:10 am Post subject:

The wrong hoses bummer. Good thing you caught it. Hopefully you had not bled the system yet.

When replacing rusted flex brake hoses, if the line wrench won't work, I cut the hose off at the fitting. I then get a 6 point socket on it and use my 3/8ths impact. I hold the brake line nut with a pair of vice grips. Apply some PB blaster and have always had them come off.

dhaavers · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:24 am Post subject:

Nope - haven't bled yet. I'll flush new fluid after new rear hoses & checking & adjusting the drums back there.
I worked through those 2 just years back so they should be in good working order but also good to check!

I'm not shy about destroying old hoses, but the problem is that the front top hose fitting is recessed/captive
in the body bracket. I had to nearly destroy the spring clip to get the hose fitting clear & work it out like you say.

Fun fun fun!
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:34 am Post subject:

edgood1 · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:42 am Post subject:

dhaavers · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:30 pm Post subject:

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:47 pm Post subject:


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