Brakes questions
 

Does anyone know what size the brake lines are coming from the ABS pump ? Have you heard of these lines giving out ? I was standing on the pedal, trying to reach something behind me and the pedal just went to the floor. Think the extra pressure caused them to give. Once I replace the line\lines, Is there anything special about bleeding a system with ABS ?

tia

William

I believe that they are 6mm metric lines. But 3/16 will work if you reuse the fittings. I have done 2 of those brake lines from the ABS unit on back on bonnievilles. I do more Cadillacs though . Those are the worst! There is nothing special about bleeding the brakes. Start at the R/R, then L/R, R/F, and L/F.

Wrench type
 

I have very limited transportation. So I need to know if I use metric tubing wrenches ? Pretty sure that I do, but just need to confirm it because I have to buy the wrenches. Seems that they are a 14mm. tia

I think they are 14mm. Some are 13mm and others are 12mm. If they are rusted really bad then a 1/2" might fit better.

Brakes ...
 

Well I went to the auto parts store and bought all the stuff I needed for the job. Brought the lines home and I had bought a single, instead of a double flare. I had to take them back and get the doubles, which were actualy marked as import lines. The fitting broke off the line at the ABS pump. I tried to get a replacement but none could be found at the normal parts store. I actually had to drill the old line out. If you ever have to do this be sure to use lots of lubrication, I used penetrant spray and there was still smoke. I cut the line and put the old fittings on. Be sure to put the fittings on before bending. I bent the lines with the tubing bender. I then rejoined the lines with a compression fitting. This job really sucked because I had to keep waiting for a ride. I am used to working on cars with a runner car available. I finished the first line just before dark. This should have been a relativiely easy and short job, that took all day. Just have tofinish the second line and bleed the system out tomorrow. Stay tuned

Btw The fittings are a 14mm, I suggest that you never use anything but a correct sized tubing wrench, you do not want to strip those.

Update
 

Finished the lines up on Sunday. They are still kinda squishy right now, but do stop the car with the aid of downshifting. It has been too cold here to bleed them. Don't seem to be losing fluid anymore though. So thats the end of this debacle. lol. Minor annoyances but not really a big deal.

Re: Update
 

you probably have air in the lines if its still "squishy".

and i would recomend to NOT downshift.

Re: Update
 

http://www.revxtreme.com/forums/images/smilies/whoa.gif

Park the damned car until you can bleed the brakes, willya? It's dangerous. Think of others if not yourself.

Thanks Dad. If I had the option of parking it I would. Normally I would have the convienience of driving other cars. I know it's a little risky, but I do what I gotta do. SO unless you have the 60 bucks that you want to donate to me so I can get them professionally bled or you have a car that I can borrow until I get it done. Ill have to take my chances. Besides, they aren't THAT bad. lol.

As far as the downshifting, goes I would really like a sound off on why you would not do this, no different then downshifting a manual. We can't all drive like grannies. 8)

Well, ya can't fix stupid.

So, here's your sign.

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