Replacement of brake line in tunnel?

[John Ashford]

Do I need to drop the engine and trans in order to replace the steel brake line that runs through the tunnel on my 71 911? It looks like it might be possible with it in the car but maybe such a PITA that I should just go on and yank the motor. Anyone with prior experience and pointers?

Thanks, John

John Ashford
Towson, MD

[911pcars]

Hi John,
I reminisced about this in another thread regarding a loss of brake fluid. Mine had worn through in a spot and leaked into the tunnel and onto the ground.

Unfortunately, it happened so long ago, either that or it was such an experience that I forget most of the details. Yes, I believe the drivetrain comes out and the line comes out the back end of the tunnel. You have to make sure the new line installs in the correct path through the tunnel. I think I tied a string onto the end of the old line before removal. After it was out, I transferred the string to the end of the new brake tube, then pulled the new tube through with the string. Something like that.

Sherwood

[rattlsnak]

I did mine with them out and it was a 10 minute job. You might squeeze it by if you take off the trans mount, but I doubt it.

[Zeke]

Originally posted by rattlsnak
I did mine with them out and it was a 10 minute job. You might squeeze it by if you take off the trans mount, but I doubt it.

Yeah, it would be easy with everything out of the way. But, to be sure, if a shop were doing it, they would only drop the tanny end as much as needed. I definately would remove the entire shifting ass'y and even think about removing the e-brake.

Why? Well, this is a good time to check out everything in the tunnel and get it all cleaned up making sure that things are not interfering with each other and are secure so no rattles when it's all back together.

Just for the archives, I found a clutch cable tube loose from a broken weld on a car a while back. Impossible to reweld, so I used a u-clamp and some nylocks to hold the tube to the side of the tunnel. I ground off the excess threads and when the carpet went back, you couldn't tell unless you knew where to feel for the little hump on the driver's side.

This was actaully on my 914, but I believe the 911 tunnel is very similar. There is a pic of the tunnel in the tech article section, I think under trannys (d'oh).

[rattlsnak]

actually, you have to move the trans end UP to gain clearance. I just looked at one. very doubtful without removing them.

[John Ashford]

Guys, thanks for the responses. I've pretty well resigned myself to removing the engine and trans. I can get it out fairly quick, its just the rolling around on the floor (no lift) and dealing with the half shafts that I don't like.

The next decision is to decide whether to make or buy the line. Doesn't look like our host carries the replacement line. Hopefully Stoddard will have it at a reasonable price. Any other suggestions.

Thanks again, John

[rattlsnak]

Actually, you can get a pre-made line from NAPA or such, that was 1" 0r 2" too long, but easily bendable, or cut and re flare to make it fit. or any hydraulic shop will make it for @ $15-20 bucks