Why did GM go to a crazy rear brake hose?

[crakarjax]

I was comparing parts for the 68 rear brakes and 72 brakes, and it seems that in 68 the rear flexible hose ran into a splitter, while in 72 the splitter is integrated into the hose. What's the deal with that? I'm planning on swapping my 68 rear for a 72, and I will probably just keep the splitting block if noone knows of any good reason not to. The price difference is basically a one time cost of $20, but still... that's $20 I can keep in my pocket!

[special-K]

My rule with brake lines is the less joints the better.Maybe they agree.Or,it was because those joints are usually seized and you end up needing to replace all that stuff anyway,so they made it more convenient.The trend with auto design has been towards unitizing parts for years.Nowadays your bearings are part of the hub/rotor assemblies.

[68gmsee]

If the block is good and the connections don't leak, no reason not to use it. I haven't had any problem with mine. I did replace the hose and brake lines some years ago but everything still works.

[PanelDeland]

Originally Posted by special-K

My rule with brake lines is the less joints the better.Maybe they agree.Or,it was because those joints are usually seized and you end up needing to replace all that stuff anyway,so they made it more convenient.The trend with auto design has been towards unitizing parts for years.Nowadays your bearings are part of the hub/rotor assemblies.

That's my rule with any plumbing.The fewer joints the less chance a joint will leak.

[crakarjax]

I do agree that less connections is better, but cheaper is also better. It costs way less to produce and purchase just the hose and leave the block fixed. If they want to unitize, why not integrate the block into the rearend? That block will never break unless you cross thread the hoses. I choose... the block! Well, alright, I will wait until I take a good look at a '72 to decide for sure. Maybe those hoses are really elegant and I will be compelled to use them. Still, $20 a hose is a lot of money for something noone will ever see...

[special-K]

The block is brass,the fittings and rear are steel/iron=electrolysis=seized lines.The original hoses lasted way longer than most cars on the road.I`d say the design was adequate.They didn`t built them for us 40 years later.

I lited a`72 4wd and got longer stainless hoses.The rear hose was female on both ends...DUMB and wrong or these trucks it was listed for.The axle end was also the wrong size.I was looking or adapters I never found and the best my parts guys to do was suggest a series of shot lines to adapt it.Yeah right!!I`m not cobbling my truck so I can run someones fancy lookin`junk.I ordered a custom stainless line,block,and axle line (fit like a glove) from Inline Tube and couldn`t be happier.That extra union doesn`t bother me a bit.The original hose was still good in`06 when I did this.

[PanelDeland]

Still, $20 a hose is a lot of money for something noone will ever see...


But worth it to stop safely And way cheaper than crashing your baby.

[Sinister]

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Still, $20 a hose is a lot of money for something noone will ever see...


But worth it to stop safely And way cheaper than crashing your baby.

[crakarjax]

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Still, $20 a hose is a lot of money for something noone will ever see...


But worth it to stop safely And way cheaper than crashing your baby.

The $12 and $37 hoses do exactly the same thing, one just has a fitting attached the other does not.