Replacing Rear-Left Hard Brake Line

[Ferrino]

In preparation for replacing all rubber flexible brake hoses with stainless new ones, I have managed to destroy the nut where the rear-left flexible hose meets the hard line that comes from the rear splitter. The rear-left hard line therefore needs to be replaced and I am hoping I don't have to remove the engine/transmission to do so! Has anyone managed to achieve this? Could I get away with removing the transmission mount and supporting the tranny with some axle stands? That would appear to give me some room to work with. It looks like once I have disconnected the line from the splitter, there is also a little clip which holds the line to the chassis.

Here's a diagram showing the line in question. It's not the one shown in red, but the other:

[Porboynz]

I think it can be done, the lines can be gently bent by hand to help get them into position then reformed.

[kodioneill]

Get yourself a line wrench it's thicker than a standard style and provides more purchase on the nut it's a must for brake lines.

[gsxrken]

Originally Posted by kodioneill

Get yourself a line wrench it's thicker than a standard style and provides more purchase on the nut it's a must for brake lines.

It can still happen on a 30year old part. The safest way to not have to replace hard lines is to cut the flexible line in half, torch up the union, and hold the hard line stationary while you twist off the flexible line stub. This can be done even after you wipe out the hard line nut (if you can live with yourself knowing its under there like that).

[mreid]

If you are replacing them anyway, cut the line flush with the nut and slip a six point socket over the nut. Also, depress the brake pedal about an inch and brace it in that position while you remove the lines. Keeps the fluid from draining out of the mc.

[Ferrino]

I used flare nut wrenches on both nuts, but they were not budging (presumably there since 1976).

Regarding the idea to cut the flexible hose and remove with socket - how would you then tighten the mangled hard-line nut to the new flexible hose? Vise grips?

I need to install new transmission mounts anyway, so I think I will take a look when doing that.

If I did need to drop the engine/tranny, do you think I could get away with just lowering it relative to the chassis (as opposed to a full removal)?

[Charles Freeborn]

The "blue tipped wrench" (Oxy Acetylene torch) will help the most stubborn of fasteners, but be very careful around fuel lines, pumps and so on. I made all new hard lines from new tubing, with a tube bending tool, bubble flare tool and patience. I document much of it in my '74 suspension rebuild thread.
'74 Front suspension re-build
-C