Removing brake lines

[John Clay]

I'm in the process of replacing the rear calipers on my E36. Yes, it takes me two weeks to do what vicegrip could do on his lunch break. When I remove the brake line from the old caliper, do I just let fluid leak out, or am I supposed to clamp the brake line?

[Vicegrip]

Plug it. I use little rubber caps but you don't need to get fancy, the tip of a rag with a tooth pick cramed in to wedge it works too. I don't like to crimp the flex lines shut. I guess it does no harm but there are other methods that work as well. Another trick, before you take any fittings apart push the brake pedal in 3/4 of an inch or so and prop it in this position. This should prevent the brake system from draining out through the MC.

[VaSteve]

Be advised, that if you press on the pedal and open the lines, whatever 2x4 or whatever you're using will move and fall out when the lines are opened. You might want a second person to hold it through the first caliper.

[arob]

Shove a golf tee in there. Fits just fine.:)

[Trak Ratt]

I've found that the rubber cap on the bleeder works well to plug the line. If it still leaks just put a small rang on the end THEN snap the cap over it.

[John Clay]

So here's my understanding:

After I (hopefully) break loose the brake line nut, I prop the brake pedal down 3/4 inch and get the wifey to make sure it doesn't fall off. Then I remove the brake line from the caliper and will have to catch some spilling brake fluid. I send the wifey around to watch the fluid level in the resevoir. Then I plug the line on the end that attaches to the caliper.

I already have the new caliper ready to go on the line, so I don't see where the plugging the line step accomplishes anything.....am I missing something?

[smdubovsky]

I already have the new caliper ready to go on the line, so I don't see where the plugging the line step accomplishes anything.....am I missing something?

No. But you didn't say that before. :) Just unscrew old & rescrew on new and be quick about it. Don't even need to bother the wife (until it comes time to bleed.)

[cmartin]

No need to make it so complicated. If you have the new parts handy, just install the new parts. Shouldn't take more than a minute or so, no need to worry. Top off the fluid and bleed.

Need brakes? Shameless plug, I have an extra set of e36 brakes on the shelf. :)

[Trak Ratt]

If you already have the new caliper just take the old one off. But after breaking loose the brake line. But leave the brake line tight enough to not leak (much). When new one in place just take off the line and reattach. You shouldn’t loose enough fluid to matter. Leave the bleeder open on the new caliper and your work bleeding will be almost done when it starts to drip. Add fluid and bleed brakes the usually way. Spousal unit need not be employed unless you want the company!