The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - Brake problem...not getting fluid to front passenger wheel.

Tantrix · 02-14-2009, 12:51 AM

Update:

You guys were right...it ended up being my rubber line, but:

I tried to take off just the rubber line that runs from caliper to metal line on frame, but somebody had apparently changed it before and used some type of pliers on the metal side fitting instead of a 3/8" open-end wrench so I couldn't get the lines separated the normal way. I used some wire cutters and snipped the metal line off there, then pulled the rubber line through the hole. I was able to get the other end of the metal line off the proportional valve using a 3/8" wrench so off I went to NAPA to get my replacement rubber line and replace the metal one that was all screwed up.

The damage:

40" straight metal brake line pre-flared at both ends with fittings = $4.89
Replacement rubber line = $21.99

Total: $29.30

Took about 10 minutes to bend the line sort of close to the original, then finished the bending after getting the line in place. After tightening the rubber and metal lines up at all connections, I added some brake fluid and bled the hell out of that front passenger wheel...at first lots of air, then eventually paydirt when nothing but fluid was coming out.

Took it on a road test, and pumped the brakes for about a 1/2 mile or so working that caliper out. On the way back, going about 30-35mph I hit the clutch and locked the brakes up with my other foot to see how the truck would do on a 35-0 complete stop during a rainstorm. I heard my tires screech like I was doing a burnout and the truck slid maybe 5-10 feet to a stop, perfectly centered in the road...no pulling hard to the driver side like it was when my front passenger wheel was getting no fluid.

It stopped exceptionally well considering it was pouring rain and it has old tires on it.

02-14-2009, 12:51 AM	#13
Tantrix Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Louisiana, CSA Posts: 41	Re: Brake problem...not getting fluid to front passenger wheel. Update: You guys were right...it ended up being my rubber line, but: I tried to take off just the rubber line that runs from caliper to metal line on frame, but somebody had apparently changed it before and used some type of pliers on the metal side fitting instead of a 3/8" open-end wrench so I couldn't get the lines separated the normal way. I used some wire cutters and snipped the metal line off there, then pulled the rubber line through the hole. I was able to get the other end of the metal line off the proportional valve using a 3/8" wrench so off I went to NAPA to get my replacement rubber line and replace the metal one that was all screwed up. The damage: 40" straight metal brake line pre-flared at both ends with fittings = $4.89 Replacement rubber line = $21.99 Total: $29.30 Took about 10 minutes to bend the line sort of close to the original, then finished the bending after getting the line in place. After tightening the rubber and metal lines up at all connections, I added some brake fluid and bled the hell out of that front passenger wheel...at first lots of air, then eventually paydirt when nothing but fluid was coming out. Took it on a road test, and pumped the brakes for about a 1/2 mile or so working that caliper out. On the way back, going about 30-35mph I hit the clutch and locked the brakes up with my other foot to see how the truck would do on a 35-0 complete stop during a rainstorm. I heard my tires screech like I was doing a burnout and the truck slid maybe 5-10 feet to a stop, perfectly centered in the road...no pulling hard to the driver side like it was when my front passenger wheel was getting no fluid. It stopped exceptionally well considering it was pouring rain and it has old tires on it.