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[Gaffers]

Was driving along the dual carrageway when I heard a noise, like grinding so I slowed down to a more appropriate speed and decided that I would have a ganders when I got to my destination which was a mile away.  Then all of a sudden the noise went away and I thought nothing of it until I went to brake for the exit.

Holy turd of satan, I hadn't lost all braking but it was significantly reduced and I nearly kacked myself as I down shifted through the autobox and used a bit of handbrake.

Just got her home and on the ramps to find that somehow the brake line had shifted down onto the driveshaft and had almost come away at the union into the caliper.  Brake fluid was coming out like a fountain when you pressed the brake pedal.

Bits ordered from the stealers but I have to bend and flare the pipe myself.  Luckily I have ze tools (and a new set of trousers)

I can only think that I did this last night while dropping the diff, which is wierd because I cant see how dropping it could have caused the brake lines on the suspension arm to drop

[SJKOO01]

Well... the good news is no-one got hurt, you live to see another day (and buy some extra pair of underpants  .  As could so have gone badly wrong!

And lesson learnt, when you finish a job, always, always double check that nothings a miss   

Been there done that myself, on a motorbike, nothing like something making sure you're paying attention to the road is there  .

[Gaffers]

Thing is I did check it and it was fine.  Somehow it moved while driving but, like i said, I have no idea how.

[Marks DTM Calib]

The solid brake line does not move at all when lowering the rear subframe and diff

[Gaffers]

Exactly, so what moved it? 

[Dishevelled Den]

Far canal M - at least it ended well.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Exactly, so what moved it? 

Done any work on the rear calipers recently?

[Gaffers]

Exactly, so what moved it? 

Done any work on the rear calipers recently?

Nope

The only thing I can think of was that I must have hit them with the spring while manhandling them out and it didn't quite touch the driveshaft until I went over one of the dozens of speedbumps around here.

[jonny2112]

Guess all's well that ends well in this case. Frustrating not knowing why it happened though.

[Lazydocker]

Exactly what happened to my brakes when they failed 18 months or so back Scary innit?!

Be warned that if the reservoir emptied then you'll need to actuate the ABS pump with a suitable reader/device to bleed it

Glad all ok though

[Gaffers]

Nope it didn't empty thankfully and the pipe is clamped now to prevent further loss overnight.

[Lazydocker]

Nope it didn't empty thankfully and the pipe is clamped now to prevent further loss overnight.

Lucky you I was approaching a busy roundabout at speed and my hand brake wasn't working properly so had to use all available pedal presses to try and slow down enough Fortunately there was a gap that was big enough for me to go... Just

[Martian]

Exactly what happened to my brakes when they failed 18 months or so back Scary innit?!

I had the same experience when one of the rear slave cylinders failed on a MK 5 Cortina I was driving many years ago.
I'd only had my licence a couple of years at the time so I was still a mere puppy in terms of driving skills, experience of different situations, etc. I still can't quite describe (in words) the fear/dread that initially sweeps over you when you press the brake pedal and it goes to the floor, but it's definately one feeling you never forget. 

[Gaffers]

All fixed now, new brake line and union bolts, had to buy a microbore pipe bender.  Another tool for the collection 

[Nick W]

All fixed now, new brake line and union bolts, had to buy a microbore pipe bender.  Another tool for the collection 

The cheapy Automec brake pipe bender looks crap, but works superbly. I've long subscribed to the 'just bend it around a lamp post/socket/whatever else you have to hand' theory. This little tool came with my Automec flaring tool(also thoroughly recommended), and will easily make near 180 degree bends within a few mm of a pipe union.