Brake Hose Replacement

[Mike Quillici]

I'm going to change out the brake hoses to all four wheels on my 1972. Other than replacement hoses, are there any other parts that I will need? Also, anything special that I should know??

Thanks.

[OhOneWS6]

When you say hoses do you mean the rubber hoses or the metal lines?

[Mike Quillici]

Rubber hoses only.

[michael bustamante]

copper washer and lock tabs, flush the system. Any idea where to get the lines? I cant find em anywhere (local o riellies and auto zone stores I mean)

[Mike Quillici]

AutoZone can special order them, which is probably what I'm going to do. I think they're about $23 each. Also, I've never flushed/bled the system on my 72 before, what's the best way to tackle it?? Standard press on the brake peddle and open the bleeder?

[michael bustamante]

Im going to have to bleed my entire system myself as I just installed a 72 brake/suspension/steering system in my 67 truck I know theres a bleed valve to push in on the prop valve but Im not sure how to use it,
amyone?

[Mike Quillici]

Originally Posted by michael bustamante

Im going to have to bleed my entire system myself as I just installed a 72 brake/suspension/steering system in my 67 truck I know theres a bleed valve to push in on the prop valve but Im not sure how to use it,
amyone?

x2

[Mike Quillici]

anyone???

[1968CHEVYC10]

Yeah I would bleed them normally adding new fluid as I go. IIRC O'reilys had the hoses in stock, and there wasn't anything else you needed, just be sure to not break the little clip that holds the end of the hoses in place.

[vectorit]

I think all the vendors sell those rubber lines in stock length.
Personally I had mine made up 2" longer, had a industrial hose company make them for me.

If I were you, I would take this opportunity to re do all four corners of the brakes, since the wheel cylinders are probably cruddy anyways and should be replaced. If not, they contain a lot of crap from all the heat and friction and will just contaminate all your new fluid.
Buy a big bottle of new fluid to, don't use some old stuff you may have. Brake fluid attracts moisture, and if the bottle has been opened and has sat around a while it's junk IMO.

I've done the solo brake bleed, and it is slow going for sure since you are just doing a gravity bleed. Do the rear passenger side first, then the rear driver side, then the front passenger, and lastly the front driver wheel.
Once you get a safe pedal, take it to a shop to have bleed again or get a buddy to help with pumping the pedal while you bleed the line at each wheel.

Good luck!

[Mike Quillici]

Does anything special need to be done with the proportioning valve?

[raycow]

If you don't already have it, get a tube wrench that fits the nuts on the hard lines. It looks like a 6 point box wrench with one flat cut away. Also, flood the joints with penetrating oil and let them soak for a while before you begin. If you round off a hard line nut, the job will turn out to be a lot less fun than you were expecting.

Rat

[gator2511]

On the front end of the prop valve you will see a little projection sticking out. That must be pushed in while bleeding the brakes. I made a tool for this out of 1"X1/8" aluminium flat stock. bend a 90 in it and lay it up against the prop valve. You can use one of the mounting bolts on the valve to hold this bracket on temporarily. Just mark the bracket where the mount bolt is and cut a slot in the bracket lengthwise so you can loosen the mount bolt, slide the bracket under it and push it until it depresses the little projection and tighten up the bolt. Take it off when you are done.

[NC67Chev]

Depending on the condition of your lines, it might be difficult to change the hoses without damaging them. When I recently overhauled my complete brake system, the union nut on front line was seized to the line so the line ended up twisting off. I was planning on replacing all of my lines anyway, so it wasn't a big deal. Just wanted to share my experience.

[OhOneWS6]

There is only one rubber line on the back. I got my front lines at NAPA and the rear line from Early Classic Industries. Google bleeding brakes. There are several ways to do it. Choose the one that sounds best to you and if it doesn't work try another method. Be sure to use a new sealed bottle of brake fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic. It starts absorbing moisture from the air as soon as you break the seal. Don't use a bottle that you opened previously and put back on the shelf.

[MVHandy]

I have had good luck on common parts from Rock Auto. Prices are very competitive, in stock and shipped quickly. Not a source for restoration trim and body parts but for the mechanicals they have been good for me.