TheSamba.com :: View topic - Low Pressure Brake Reservoir Hose

Tue Apr 22, 2025 2:09 pm

Hi All,

While I was cleaning up the area under the fuel tank on my '63 I decided it best to replace the old braided low pressure rubber hose between the brake hydraulic reservoir and the rigid metal line to the top of the master cylinder.

I checked the line was smooth/ clean before fitting a new hose, however after a few days it started leaking from the rigid connection end (of course after I had put the fuel tank back in etc).

It was fitted some way on and I've double checked/ tried to push further but it's still slightly seeping out and slowly draining the reservoir- it was a new Wolfsburg West rubber hose which by all accounts and reading other threads should be very good!

No damage, cracks, splits - carefully fitted. Thoughts?

Thanks.

Tue Apr 22, 2025 4:58 pm

Well, VW used different diameter hoses and fitting over the years for the brake hose(s) between the reservoir and master. It may be you got the bigger hose on the smaller reservoir fitting.

Depending on what has been changed over the decades on your car, the master may have a different diameter hose fitting than your reservoir.

You may need an adaptor if the reservoir and master fittings are not the same diameter.

fortunately in many cases this hose can be changed without the need to remove the gas tank

besure to wash all the spilt fluid with lots of water immediately as most brake fluids will eat paint, it is a great stripper, (not the type that dances around a brass pole either) then you will have a rust issue once the paint is stripped, so get the garden hose and wash her real well, leave no trace. soap water is preferred prior to rinse.

Wed Apr 23, 2025 12:13 am

Thanks for the reply.

My reservoir is original/ correct as is the rigid brake line and I used the correct replacement hose from WW - I'm familiar with the different sizes and that's not the issue.

Yes, I hate that brake fluid has leaked especially as I had repainted the whole area however there isn't much I can do until I solve the leak problem.

I can add a 5mm clamp (which it shouldn't really need) and see if that solves it, but it seems odd the WW part appears to not be doing a great job of sealing.

Wed Apr 23, 2025 7:09 am

Look for a hairline crack in the reservoir near the fitting. There are different types of reservoirs, some have a molded in fitting, one piece. These can crack. Others have a rubber ferrule and nut The ferrule/nut type might lso be cracked, or the ferrule and nut damaged or need tightening.

Speaking of that, what do you call a line of ten bunnies hopping backwards?

A receding hare line.

Fri Apr 25, 2025 11:58 am

Nope, it's not that. My reservoir is original and the moulded end type, no cracks. The leak is from the rigid line end. It's just a poor seal/ doesn't fit tightly enough from the WW rubber hose.

Tue Apr 29, 2025 6:48 pm

When I did mine on my 64, I put small zip ties around the hose on both sides and pulled them tight. See if that stops the leak.