Hi All,

Not strictly Subaru I'm afraid, but could be relevant!

I'm trying to un-seize the hard brake pipes on my Merc 190E. They're so in need of replacement that the ends of the pipes (that connect to the flexi pipes and the one that runs to the brake servo) seem to be rusted solid.

For now I've left it soaking (as best you can when it's on the car!) with penetrating fluid as I don't want to round off the nuts.

Any other ideas though?

 

up

 

Got a brakeline spanner? The extra sides they have really help with the grip.

 

Yeah I do..the correct size as well.

Unfortunately it's just rounding off the nut instead of turning it....

Soaking with penetrating oil and then some heat with a torch I guess....

 

I use a product called "ROST-OFF ICE" made by Wurth, leaving it to soak overnight if possible (and sparying it on everytime I walk past.

I find it a little more effective than the usual plus-gas.

Failing that, chop it all off and get some new unions and flexilines too: although that won't help you with the union on the master cylinder (unless you want to replace that too)

 

Heat with a torch isn't the best idea, brake fluid is highly flammable

 

Yep, was thinking that. And so is the brake cleaner / WD40 / penetrating oil I've been using!
Oh and it's right underneath the petrol tank too!

 

Looks like a good product actually! I'll see if I can get my hands on some.

 

I wouldn't say its a mircale spray, but I'd say its the last option to try before getting "physical"

 

Other options are mole grips put on extra tight , file new flats onto the nuts and use a smaller spanner or finally cut through with a dremmel.

 

Well 2 cans of Wurth Rost Off Ice on their way to me....

Tried the mole grip options, but 17yrs of crap buildup put pay to that method!

I've got a week before I'm going to have time to 'attack' them again, so a good soaking with penetrating oil and this Wurth stuff should do nicely.