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Topic: Brake line cleaning

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Brake line cleaning

Posted: 10/4/07 2:42pm Message 1 of 6
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Lakeland, FL - USA
Joined: 7/30/2005
Posts: 2
Vette(s): 1976 Stingray
First let me say that I finally was able to fulfill the dream of my youth, and own a Corvette.  I settled on a 1976 about a year ago, because it fit my budget, and seemed to be in pretty good shape.  I'm refitting and upgrading some, and most recently decided to check out the brakes, since they didn't seem to be stopping me as well as they should.  I started at the back, since I had heard some strange grinding noises coming from this area.  After removing both rotors, I discovered the noise was probably due to some previous owner's repairs on the parking brake.  His solution was to remove the shoes, and fasten the remaining parts together with nylon tie wraps.  One caliper leaked fluid when I was loosening it's bolts.  I'm rebuilding them, but after having reading on this site that the lines need to be cleaned internally, I'm wondering if there is a solvent or solution that should be run through them to clean them out, or, do I just pump lots of brake fluid through them?  I would like to be replace any rubber lines with metal, which brings me to another question.  Is the 8-10 inches or so where  the brake line attaches to the caliper the only place  where the rubber lines normally  are used?  If so, someone has already replaced mine.  Bad knees and back discourage me from crawling under the car to take a look, and I haven't had it into a shop to put it up on a rack to visually inspect  underneath.  Thanks in advance for any help.



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Brake line cleaning

Posted: 10/4/07 6:04pm Message 2 of 6
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BINGHAMTON, NY - USA
Joined: 7/19/2003
Posts: 3808
Vette(s): ......
The only rubber hoses are from the front frame to the front calipers no need to crawl under the carRon 782007-10-04 18:05:29


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Brake line cleaning

Posted: 10/4/07 6:13pm Message 3 of 6
Former Member
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Lakeland, FL - USA
Joined: 7/30/2005
Posts: 2
Vette(s): 1976 Stingray
Thanks for the reply and help.


Brake line cleaning

Posted: 10/4/07 7:08pm Message 4 of 6
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North Charleston, SC - USA
Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176
Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top
Gary,
Congratulations on the fullfillment of your dream. It's just the start of a great hobby. Thanks for continuing the tradition of keeping the beauties on the road.
 
Scott



Brake line cleaning

Posted: 10/5/07 9:19am Message 5 of 6
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Victor, NY - USA
Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6842
Vette(s): 2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe
Brakes on a Vette are VERY important. Been there, done that.
 
This is one area you don't want the cheap stuff.
 
If you are rebuilding the calipers, use SS parts.
 
When you jack her up, use jack stands for safety.
 
Glad you are enjoying your hobby.
Be sure to check old posts for info and ask lots of questions.



 
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Brake line cleaning

Posted: 10/5/07 11:41am Message 6 of 6
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Shenandoah, PA - USA
Joined: 10/18/2006
Posts: 328
Vette(s): 1982 Chevrolet Corvette
I don't think running anything through the brake lines would be necessary.  Flush completely with a good DOT 3 fluid.  There was a pretty comprehensive post a while back about this very subject.  Enjoy the ride!


in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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