Replacing front brake hoses?

[Stocker]

I'm doing some brake work so it seems like a good time to replace the 40-year-old OEM brake hoses on my '72 K20. Right now I'm just looking at the fronts (will look at rear later). Question is can I replace them by working on the outside of the frame only? Access to whatever is on the inside of the frame channel appears to be pretty poor on the driver's side and much worse on the passenger's side.

As much as I'd like to replace them, in reality if it's gonna be a huge PITA I'll just skip it. Thanks for any help, guys.

[camaney]

they are so easy to replace, dont forget to bleedem when done.. there is no hoses in rear drums

[Stocker]

^^ Thanks for the reply -- still wondering if I need to get a wrench to the inside of the frame rail. I'll give it a shot and see if they'll break loose.... sprayed 'em hours ago with penetrating oil.

There's a hose from the hard line to the rear diff, which I also sprayed. Tried to break it loose a little while ago, and no go -- it would not budge. I'll spray everything again and try some more. If I can't break 'em loose, I guess they'll have to last 40 more years!

[Legolas894]

Originally Posted by Stocker

I'm doing some brake work so it seems like a good time to replace the 40-year-old OEM brake hoses on my '72 K20. Right now I'm just looking at the fronts (will look at rear later). Question is can I replace them by working on the outside of the frame only? Access to whatever is on the inside of the frame channel appears to be pretty poor on the driver's side and much worse on the passenger's side.

As much as I'd like to replace them, in reality if it's gonna be a huge PITA I'll just skip it. Thanks for any help, guys.

I'd be prepared to replace them. I broke the hard line trying to put the hose back on after changing the front wheel cylinders. I was being careful but mine were really rusty and just waiting to break. Usually any work on the brakes involves putting new stuff in on the old trucks. In this area, the rust is horrendous so everything is pretty much guaranteed to be half way gone when it comes time to work on something.

[Stocker]

No visible rust on my brake lines just fittings that haven't been touched in 40 years. I'm unable to break them loose with an open-end wrench so it'll have to wait til I get a flare nut wrench. And I thought I had all the tools I needed....