Brake lines

Last night, I started with the hopes to remove the brake lines running to the tee-fitting mounted on the front of the frame.

Starting with the return line from the (now non-existent) brake boosters, I started to take off the fittings. Of course, it wasn't that simple. This particular fitting proved to be completely seized. After several applications of PB Blaster, and waiting, nothing. Instead of stripping it completely, I decided to pull the whole assembly out, and disassemble it on the bench.

Since I wasn't going to use this particular brake line, I had no qualms about cutting it, and ripping it out of the car unceremoniously. Once I had that cut, the tee-fitting still needed to be unbolted from the car. This requires a tiny little hand, and 2 7/16" wrenches. You need to get your hand between the steering rack, and up into the frame through the access hole. In order to do this, and not drop my wrench into oblivion, I tied a piece of fishing line to the box end, and the steering rack. This way, when I did drop the wrench, all I would need to do is drag it out.

I did eventually get the tee fitting off of the frame. I took the whole assembly over to the bench, and started reaming on it. Then, the tube nut broke, and the whole tee fitting became garbage. The threads had permanently seized themselves, enough that an easy-out splintered and fell apart trying to get it apart.

At this point, I am considering replacing all of the brake lines. This way, I know all the fittings are new, and I know all of the fittings match.