replacing brake pipes question.

[SilverSaloon]

Hi

The only ever time i've replaced a hydraulic brake pipe is on a classic Bonair Folding Camper. On that, it didn't matter what shape the brake pipe was.... aslong as one end was at the hitch and they went to the cylinders on each wheel.....

i've read on here that if the brake lines go on the W124 estate you need to drop the subframe to route the new pipes? it could well be the self levelling pipes...?

either way, is that entirely necessary? it seems to me that you could just put new pipes in and route them around where you can get them, aslong as they were securely fixed in place....

i am sure i'm talking b0ll0X and have a feeling there must be a reason why it cant be done, but would like to know why the above couldnt be done instead of the time/labour charges associated with doing it the way Merc intended....

Derek

p.s. my brake pipes are fine (as far as i know anyway) so i dont plan or need to do this job anytime soon... i just wondered.

 

[Number_Cruncher]

The rigid brake pipes on these cars need to be routed so that they are secured against the car body, NOT against the subframe**. As the subframe moves relative to the body, if you did secure to the subframe the pipe would be flexing, which it isn't designed to do.

** There are some makes of car where rigid brake pipe is routed along suspension members, but in these cases, there is always a section of flexible brake pipe where there is relative movement.

 

[Tiff]

As far as MOT's are concerned,they could go up over the roof.. but they need to be secure and not rub/vibrate. Otherwise use the easiest route possible. You can buy brake pipe clips that have a screw or adhesive fixing to do this.

 

[219]

You could also get flexible hoses made up in a hydraulic shop to ease the bending involved .

I did the SLS pipes on three estate cars and ended up cutting and joining with compression fittings ( wouldn't dream of doing that with brake pipes , of course ) .