TheSamba.com :: View topic - Brake fluid reservoir hose... fuel line ok?

Tue Nov 06, 2012 5:59 am

I'm looking to replace the brake fluid reservoir hose on my 75 super and all I can find is fuel line. Some say this is fine but others claim the hose will deteriorate if brake fluid is used. Anyone have any experience using fuel line to connect the reservoir to the master cylinder?

Tue Nov 06, 2012 6:12 am

Fuel line will degrade in short order ... I've seen it a few times. Get hose rated for brake fluid.

Tue Nov 06, 2012 6:49 am

Hondapop wrote: I'm looking to replace the brake fluid reservoir hose on my 75 super and all I can find is fuel line. Some say this is fine but others claim the hose will deteriorate if brake fluid is used. Anyone have any experience using fuel line to connect the reservoir to the master cylinder?

Yeah fuel line will work - until it deteriorates and you press the brakes and get no braking, and then you crash and die. Then we buy your rear bumper and tail lights, engine, etc....

You need the blue brake line hose !!! If you can't find it, you're not trying very hard !!!

Tue Nov 06, 2012 7:24 am

Cusser wrote: Hondapop wrote: I'm looking to replace the brake fluid reservoir hose on my 75 super and all I can find is fuel line. Some say this is fine but others claim the hose will deteriorate if brake fluid is used. Anyone have any experience using fuel line to connect the reservoir to the master cylinder?

Yeah fuel line will work - until it deteriorates and you press the brakes and get no braking, and then you crash and die. Then we buy your rear bumper and tail lights, engine, etc....

You need the blue brake line hose !!! If you can't find it, you're not trying very hard !!!

Hmmm....thanks for the quick reply but not for the conclusion that I did try hard enough....

I did receive a constructive reply on another site that suggested using remote oil cooler line which is rated for fluids like brake fluid.

Tue Nov 06, 2012 9:39 am

dude, EVERY VW parts house/catalog? repair shop has blue brake fluid hose. I really don't see how one would have trouble finding it.

Tue Nov 06, 2012 10:42 am

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VHD-N20-3501

http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=211611801

http://vwparts.aircooled.net/7mm-Brake-Fluid-Supply-Hose-7-X-3mm-p/n203501.htm

http://www.eisparts.com/N20350-1.html

Tue Nov 06, 2012 10:46 am

I have been using some fuel line for my brake bleeding jar.

It works fine for that but deteriorates over time.

I don't bleed brakes that often but I typically have to snip off the end I put over the bleeder valve so that it has a tight fit.

I would not use it on an actual vehicle.

Tue Nov 06, 2012 11:26 am

Hondapop wrote: Cusser wrote: You need the blue brake line hose !!! If you can't find it, you're not trying very hard !!!

Hmmm....thanks for the quick reply but not for the conclusion that I did try hard enough.....

I was assuming that you had a computer and an Internet connection.....but wait - you must have those to be posting here ????

Tue Nov 06, 2012 11:28 am

Go get a brake fluid rated brake hose, and some free parts catalogs.

You should be alright then.

Tue Nov 06, 2012 11:29 am

In defense of the OP, sometimes without using the right search terms it can be hard to find certain things, especially if you aren't using the correct terminology.

I was new to cars, and new to VWs at the same time (still am) so starting out I had a hard time finding things.

Tue Nov 06, 2012 1:23 pm

Back in early 2000 I reversed my beetle out of the shed to find a big puddle of brake fluid under the front.

One of the blue hoses had split and in a rush to get to work I fitted a piece of rubber hose I had laying around and added some brake fluid.

Almost 13 years and 140k later it is still there but I think it's a one off case and I would recommend the proper hose too, I reckon I just got extremely lucky, it's just one of those out of sight out of mind things I never remember to replace.

Tue Nov 06, 2012 6:12 pm

Cusser wrote: Hondapop wrote: Cusser wrote: You need the blue brake line hose !!! If you can't find it, you're not trying very hard !!!

Hmmm....thanks for the quick reply but not for the conclusion that I did try hard enough.....

I was assuming that you had a computer and an Internet connection.....but wait - you must have those to be posting here ????

What a great site this is, despite the negative posters'. Some people have too much time on their hands. My search for a flexible brake line was at multiple parts stores in my area. I was in the process of reinstalling the brakes and needed the lines now. Fortunately I received good advice to use trans cooler line. Thanks to all that provided constructive comments!