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[berserkerboy]

Hi folks.

Downer! ATS tester just failed the old girl.

1. Nearside front from flex brake pipe excessive corrosion. This pipe appears to go to the hydraulic modulator. I have rubbed away the surface rust and there is clean metal underneath. However, I don't suppose the tester will appreciate me telling him it was okay really, in fact I suppose I don't know that it is! Guess I'll have to replace it

2. Rear from flex to caliper brake pipe excessive corrosion on both sides. Haven't had time to look at this yet but suspect the same as above.

3. Offside rear brake hose ferrule excessive corrosion.

4. Then the wishbones need doing as one side has excessive play. Can get lemforder at Rock Auto for about £125 delivered.

So there is a fairly comprehensive guide on the wishbones that I can follow.

The brake lines though. What is the best way of doing these. I'm happy doing my domestic plumbing so can this be much harder? Can I just drain out the existing fluid. Disconnect the corroded pipe sections. Get new ones made up at a motor factor. Reconnect and bleed?

[4x4]

Might be worth spending a few hours cleaning up the brake line,some mot testers love seeing crude on them,and see it as easy money maker,as the owner dont know any different,
You can buy this ebay item number 261775430855
To get you started if you decide to replace brake lines.

[Bigron]

If that surface rust is superficial, it may just be a question of rubbing down with wire wool and applying grease over the bare metal to protect it - most testers love to see fresh grease as it shows you care!

Ron.

[berserkerboy]

The same tester had given an advisory on one of the rear sections last year. Despite a rub down and a bit of underseal over it he's obviously decided that isn't good enough. My concern is that the tester will obviously realise what I have done if I just clean it up and think: 'Well f**k you!, I told you this is dangerous' and fail it again. So I think I'll have to replace it.
Anyone any thoughts on whether I can just drain the brake fluid replace the lengths and then bleed, or is it more complicated?

[4x4]

Take it to another mot centre 

[Nick W]

It's only a brake pipe, just change the bloody thing! A couple of quids worth of materials and an hour's (if that) work and you can forget about it forever.
Rusty pipes that suddenly develop a leak are no joke.

[berserkerboy]

Yep, I agree. 3 sections to do then. As I have to do some dissembling, what is the best way to avoid getting air into the system? I've read that once it is in it's difficult to get out. My main concern is the front section that goes into the ABS unit as there is likely to be quite a lot of fluid lost. Am I worrying needlessly?

[driver115]

For the last 10 years I`ve used an MOT test centre with no garage/scope to undertake repairs - no complaints - tell you as it is straight, next best could be a council run MOT centre in your area ?

[berserkerboy]

I used to use an outfit called Just MOT's when we used to live in Sussex. Unfortunately, there is no such business where we live now.

[biggriffin]

For the last 10 years I`ve used an MOT test centre with no garage/scope to undertake repairs - no complaints - tell you as it is straight, next best could be a councils
l run MOT centre in your area ?

Always found them a bit to harsh, best going to an  old skool,established testing only station.

[Nick W]

Yep, I agree. 3 sections to do then. As I have to do some dissembling, what is the best way to avoid getting air into the system? I've read that once it is in it's difficult to get out. My main concern is the front section that goes into the ABS unit as there is likely to be quite a lot of fluid lost. Am I worrying needlessly?

Yes, you are. Leave the reservoir cap screwed on while you do the work, which will reduce the leak.


Then just bleed it normally, going around the car twice(or as many times as necessary), which is best practice anyway.

[berserkerboy]

Okay, that's great. Thanks.

[berserkerboy]

RE:  ebay item number 261775430855

Just want to double check before I order this. Is 3/16" pipe and 10mm unions correct? I presume copper will be okay for the next 5 years or so that I'd like to get out of the car, or should I buy some cunifer pipe instead?

[05omegav6]

Cunifer would be better

[Nick W]

Cunifer would be better

It's difficult to buy anything else.