1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Broken brake line help

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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 06:53 PM
  #1  
bahlorm's Avatar
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Broken brake line help

Got an 85 gs. I have been trying to redo the suspension on this 7 because it was all shot. The bolts on my brake caliper were stuck in there so bad they stripped before they ever budged and in order to get the damn caliper off I had to cut the brake line. I put a screw in the line to prevent it from leaking and took the whole shock assembly with the caliper to get the bolts removed. Now I am having an issue with figuring out how to fix the brake line. I bought I think it was a 3/8 steel brake line and tried to force it through the hole on both ends on the brake line and clamp it down. Which it's holding right now and not leaking, but it was pretty iffy when trying to install it. Do you think this will be enough to hold the brake lines and it wont blow off the first time I slam on my brakes? Or does anyone suggest a better way to fix this? Tried to find the brake line that goes to the brake caliper at the oreilly website to just try and replace the whole line (and hope the bolts on the line aren't stuck as bad as all these suspension bolts were) but I have not been able to find the whole brake line. Does anyone have any ideas on what I should do with this?
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 07:07 PM
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rwatson5651's Avatar
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You MUST replace the brake line. Replacements are available. Keep searching and do not drive that car until you replace the line.
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 07:51 PM
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ok... why did you cut the brake line and not un screw it?

But what has been done is done. Hind sight is 20/20

rwatson5651 is right. You REALLY shouldn't put that thing on the road with 3 brakes.

I could tell you how to rig it, but I would feel bad if you slam the **** out of something. (considering its your front brake thats malfunctioned).
^^ I wouldn't feel bad, but I'm not gonna be an *** and let you do it.

Best bet is pulling out the bicycle for the next week till your new line comes in the mail. Or if your parts guy has one in stock ride the bicycle to the store.
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 07:53 PM
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deadphoenix52's Avatar
meh.
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From: fwb, fl
just get a tube bender and a piece pre-flared line from oreillys.
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 08:11 PM
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Yeh these guy are right do not put that on the road. Flair all the ends and tread them in. Don't rig something so important to the safety of you and everyone else o the road.
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 08:29 PM
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If I understand what you said properly, I think you cut the rubber line correct? If this is the case and you are trying to hold that together with a piece of steel line and clamps, DO NOT drive the car. Brake lines can see in excess of 500 psi of pressure, no place for hose clamps as they don't provide the clamping force required to keep the hose on the steel tube. The only way to fix this is to buy a new rubber line, or flex hose as they are generally called.

You can buy replacements from Mazdatrix. I would suggest the stainless steel braided lines as they aren't all that expensive and are a far better replacement than original rubber lines.
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 08:46 PM
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Alright guys thanks for the info. This is just a project car got another for my dd so I can handle it being down for a little bit until a new one comes in the mail. I will be sure to replace it with a whole new brake line instead of using what I have and watching it fail. Rigging up brakes really wasn't a great idea lol
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 08:55 PM
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I found a long brake line roll from NAPA and the ends I found at Autozone. Good luck.
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 08:56 PM
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Cookboy's Avatar
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While you're at it, replace all 3. And get 3 of these: Automobile Applications
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 09:34 PM
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meh.
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From: fwb, fl
wow i feel dumb. i skimmed and for some reason was thinking hard line.

yeah... ignore me folks
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 10:26 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by 85rotarypower
If I understand what you said properly, I think you cut the rubber line correct? If this is the case and you are trying to hold that together with a piece of steel line and clamps, DO NOT drive the car. Brake lines can see in excess of 500 psi of pressure, no place for hose clamps as they don't provide the clamping force required to keep the hose on the steel tube. The only way to fix this is to buy a new rubber line, or flex hose as they are generally called.

You can buy replacements from Mazdatrix. I would suggest the stainless steel braided lines as they aren't all that expensive and are a far better replacement than original rubber lines.
It's closer to 2000-2500psi, maybe a bit less for older cars with no ABS, but other than that spot on. If you drive it like that the first time you really hit the brakes it's going to blow out on you. New rubber line or stainless braided lines are the only option.
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 10:42 PM
  #12  
85rotarypower's Avatar
love the braaaap
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Originally Posted by coldy13
It's closer to 2000-2500psi, maybe a bit less for older cars with no ABS, but other than that spot on. If you drive it like that the first time you really hit the brakes it's going to blow out on you. New rubber line or stainless braided lines are the only option.
I don't know the actual numbers so didn't want to throw anything specific out there but I did know it was well over the usual limit hose clamps are good to.
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 10:47 PM
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zaridar's Avatar
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Agree... Brake hoses are rated to over 5000 psi... And think... hose with clamps rarely works on fuel injection lines only running 100 or so psi let alone a brake line hose... I would get steel braided
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 10:05 AM
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RockAuto has the rear hoses for $6.19 each if you're only looking for stock. AdvanceAuto and the like have them for about double the price but you don't have to pay shipping.

RAYBESTOS Part # BH38128 Professional Grade
Rear; Rear Drum Brakes
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 10:36 AM
  #15  
rx7lives's Avatar
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Unless you have passed your two year suicide clause on your life insurance,

Originally Posted by bahlorm
Got an 85 gs. I have been trying to redo the suspension on this 7 because it was all shot. The bolts on my brake caliper were stuck in there so bad they stripped before they ever budged and in order to get the damn caliper off I had to cut the brake line. I put a screw in the line to prevent it from leaking and took the whole shock assembly with the caliper to get the bolts removed. Now I am having an issue with figuring out how to fix the brake line. I bought I think it was a 3/8 steel brake line and tried to force it through the hole on both ends on the brake line and clamp it down. Which it's holding right now and not leaking, but it was pretty iffy when trying to install it. Do you think this will be enough to hold the brake lines and it wont blow off the first time I slam on my brakes? Or does anyone suggest a better way to fix this? Tried to find the brake line that goes to the brake caliper at the oreilly website to just try and replace the whole line (and hope the bolts on the line aren't stuck as bad as all these suspension bolts were) but I have not been able to find the whole brake line. Does anyone have any ideas on what I should do with this?
Unless you have passed your two year suicide clause on your life insurance, this is a bad idea. Replace the line, they're easy to make or visit your local salvage yard.

You should also buy a set of these bad boys, replace (not rebuild) your master and calipers, hardly more expansive than the kits and you don't have to worry about corroded bores where the pistons go.
Cart Price Check Part:14523-DOT
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 12:29 PM
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Alright thanks. I do need to get basically a whole new brake system all around. Need bigger calipers, rotors, new not dry rotting lines, and somehow finding some rims that fit the bolt pattern that's not a crazy price. I would go with some steelies if they fit and give me a bigger tire.
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