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[Tony O]

Just failed MOT on the rear brake pipes how easy/hard are they to change?

[toller]

Mine failed on the rear and front brake pipes in april this year, the back ones actually aren't that bad to replace as you only need to replace about 18 inches of pipe that comes from the rear caliper, that is then attached via a union to the long length of pipe that goes to the ABS gubbins under the bonnet.

I of course only found this out after i'd removed all the exhaust heat shields then spent the next few hours trying to get my hands round the back fo the exhust to unclip and ease everything out  

The front pipes, especially the drivers side were an absolute pain as there is abslutely no room to manhandle the pipe into position, very very fiddly and definately easier if you've got a second pair of hand.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Is it the short metal sections or perished rubber bits...

Either way neither are hard to change adn most factors will make the metal ones up with unions for a small fee if you dont have a flaring kit.

Try not to let the system get totaly empty of brake fluid though as you risk getting air in the ABS unit.

[TheBoy]

Try not to let the system get totaly empty of brake fluid though as you risk getting air in the ABS unit.

And that is a sod to cure without specialist equipment

[Tony O]

Thanks guys I was hoping there would be a joint some where I didnt fancy doing the whole length.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Thanks guys I was hoping there would be a joint some where I didnt fancy doing the whole length.

You can always add one, the use of inline couplers is permitted.

Air in the ABS system is a swine to shify even if you DO have the correct kit!

[ians]

If you are talking about the copper pipe, there is a t piece somewhere in the region of the rear diff (can't recall exactly)  and then 2 pieces on each side connected by a flexi hose.

It cost me a fiver at a factors to get one of the sides made up.  

In order to minimise fluid loss I covered the fluid container with cling film with a rubber band over it to seal it.  

Obviously afterwards you need to bleed the brake in question, so may be worth changing fluid at the same time..

Cheers
Ian

[Kevin Wood]

Having a couple of spare bleed nipples of the appropriate size to hand is a good idea too. That way, when you disconnect the pipe from the T piece or wherever, you can screw in a bleed nipple to prevent fluid leakage and air ingress.

Kevin

[hotel21]

I always have a couple of golf tee's in by toolbox for plugging brake pipes to minimise fluid loss and air ingress......