Loosing Brake Fluid - Doh!

[manic]

Perhaps I should change my screen name to calamity-manic

I refurbed my rear axle and the final hurdle was to re-connect the brake lines which I had capped off to save me the hassle of brake fluid renewal. The screw on cap and bearing has damaged the thread on one of the brake lines so I can no longer attach it to the brake cylinder.

I also cannot put the cap back on so it is bleeding into a bucket at the minute!

So looks like I will be replacing the brake lines. :eek:

I've not dealt with brake fluid before: whats the best way to drain out all the fluid - should I just leave it to bleed out?

And can anyone point me to a guide or let me know how I should go about filling up the brake system from empty?

LR90 1989, rear drum brakes.

Cheers.

[steveG]

Just let it drain out into a container. Don't get brake fluid on your paintwork (ie on your hand and then hand on paintwork) as its not friendly.

If you've got a local brake shop, take the damaged line into them and they should be able to make up one for you pretty cheaply. I'm not sure how common the fittings are, but if they are a bit special and you need a replacement one let me know as I've got a few lying around ;)
FYI - D1 rear fittings are the same.

Steve

[manic]

Yeah its not the end of the world. The lines needed to be replaced anyway but I was going to leave that to a shop, spend a bit of money and do the whole lot in stainless.

I think for now I'll just get some cheap and cheerful steal ones made up at the local.

Is it easy to bend steel lines with one of these hand pipe bender tools? If it is I'll just ask for the right lenght straight peice with the end fittings done.
http://www.classiccarchrome.co.uk/ekmps/shops/classiccar/images/brake-line-and-fuel-line-pipe-bender-54-p.jpg
I know its easy with copper :angel:

The bit that I'm not sure on is refilling with fluid and bleeding it through effectively. I remember reading somewhere that it was a PITA to get all the air out.

[steveG]

Personally I wouldn't bother with stainless (unless perhaps you were planning a lot of beach work). The original lines in my county are still fine after nearly 30 years.

I don't recall having any issues with bleeding the drums manually, apart from the hassle of needing a second person to do the up/down at the appropriate time on the brake pedal. It can put a strain on relationships though.

The clutch is a different story - what a mongrel to bleed :mad:

Since buying my vacuum brake bleeder all is happy in our house. No mess, job's finished in about 5 mins, and SWMBO can stay inside with her wine instead of being out in the cold on the driveway.
One of the best tool/relationship investments I've ever made......

Steve

[manic]

Ah yes that's the one I must be getting mixed up with - the clutch!

I'm a sucker for anything galvanised or stainless. Although for the sake of solvency I think steel brake pipes will do just fine for now.

I'll get my girlfriend on the brake pedal technique first, and then let her know about the vacuum kits ;)

Cheers.