Clearing brake lines.

[skongolf]

Well I finally had to break down and get a new axle, brakes and master cylinder for my brake actuator. The MC was full of crud and when I disconnected the lines from it there was absolutely no fluid in the line to the cylinder. The line to my left brake had no fluid, but the line to my right brake did have fluid. What I want to know is there any way to blow out my brake lines to make sure they are not clogged before I put on the new brakes. I understand how to blead the system, but if the lines are clogged bleeding wont do any good. Any suggestions?

 

[mla2ofus]

Re: Clearing brake lines.

From your description of everything, I'd replace the brake lines also. Why take a chance on getting a bunch of crud in a new system?
Mike

 

[driz]

Re: Clearing brake lines.

Mine are the same way and I am starting to go through mine as well. You should be able to clear them easily with some fresh fluid and a blast of air pressure if you have a compressor on hand. That would clear the lines. The question it begs in if your lines are cruddy how bad are your wheel cylinders? I just took one of mine off this afternoon and couldn't even salvage the thing honing out the cylinder. If you pull the wheel and the entire brake assembly is totally rusty you might consider just replacing the whole thing. Considering a wheel cyl costs at least $25 and is a pain to change while you probably round off the bleeder or at least one of the bolts you won't have fun. On the other hand if you shop around an entire brake assembly with everything on there assembled is only $55 or so and goes on with 4 bolts and the it's a no brainer. I had one sitting in the basement and it was on and happy in under a half hour. So much easier than screwing around with rusty stuff you would hardly believe it.
Anyways I hope yours doesn't need all that but do take a look at the brakes and if you can open up a cylinder to check for rust. Those aluminum plungers are tough on the steel bores of the cyls when moisture gets in there. When mine goes back together again it is getting silicon brake fluid so there won't be any more rusting during its sitting months on end.

 

[wyldthng]

Re: Clearing brake lines.

Hello all-- just bought a 1967 18- with orig trailer--- where do I get these brake replacement kits for the 4 wheel trailer??--hey how do I change oil??-- I have a lot of ???--- I thought I was along with this old boat--- cant wait to hit the water---- will post pics soon---- Is there a website dedicated to these cool boats??? DC