TR4/4A Replacing Rear Flexible Brake Hoses on TR4A w/ IRS

[fpstude]

I just finished replacing a rear brake cylinder on our 1967 TR4A. As I was finishing the project I noticed fluid weeping through the flexible brake hose feeding one of the rear wheels. I'm looking for thoughts on replacing these hoses. As can be seen in the photos, access to some of the fittings is really tight. Any input will really be appreciated.



This is an overall image of the brake piping and fittings.



A close-up of the flexible hose.

Thanks,

 

[RGK]

You could try a crowfoot socket attachment, some folks cut the hose close to the union and use a socket with extension.

 

[Sarastro]

A crowfoot wrench is a good idea.

There's probably a bolt holding that tee to its mounting surface; you could remove it and gently move the tee away a bit. That would give you more room to get at the hose. But difficult access is just one of those things you deal with in working on cars--at least it's not as bad as in modern cars!

 

[sp53]

Yeh that could get fun. I like the idea of cutting the hose. I have never heard of that one, nice. I would probably get some cleaner probably the gasoline of today and go in there with one of those engine cleaner brushes and clean the dirt out. A hydraulic slotted wrench should fit, but it is going to be close. oh perhaps drain out the brake fluid with the zerk for that area

 

[Madflyer]

Over ever using gas to clean try ZEP floor cleaner with spray bottle it will take paint off also if on to long I soak parts in it over night before reinstalling. The tubing wrench works best as HY fittings are soft. Good you saw the leak

 

[LarryK]

Find a kid that can turn wrenches.

 

[sp53]

Good one Larry----oh I add get a cheater bar for the HY fitting---piece of strong pipe.

 

[fpstude]

Thanks for the inputs everyone. Very helpful. I have to ask, What is the HY fitting? My first step is to clean up the area.

 

[sp53]

I needed to google also it means hydraulic fitting

 

[fpstude]

I used a crowfoot socket attachment and all went well. The flex hose is out. The replacement should arrive the first of the week. I ordered both sides from Moss, but only the one I need was in stock. I should get the other side in about a week. I'll replace it then. These 55 year old flex hoses should have been replaced long ago. I'm not very proud of my maintenance history.

 

[RJS]

I did my rear brake hoses about 6 years ago. Don't recall anything special but, clean area well, definitely use flare nut wrenches, place lots of rags down to catch spilled fluid and I may have even used a golf tee to plug the line once the old one was removed. I believe I soaked the joints with PB Blaster the day before as well. It went much smoother than I expected - just think it through before and have all your parts/tools handy so you can move without hesitation. If I recall, there was a specific order I disconnected one end, disconnected the other, connected one end, connected the other.

I did this all as a part of an every-other-year brake bleed (replace hoses, then bleed, of course).

Good luck

Bob

 

[Popeye]

I know you already ordered parts, but this is one area where I spent the extra $ and got the stainless braided flex hoses from TRF. > TR4, TR4A Glove Box Companion: Brake Hydraulic Hoses--braided Metal Hoses :(page 114) <