Acuralin

Hi Guys,

I did my best to search it, lots of info here and there but not exactly what I was looking for.
I want to paint the calipers and I know, I could do the job with them on...But I really want to get them off, so I will have access to pre-prep and paint them properly from all angles as needed.

The problem I have (well I dont have it yet but I will), how can I stop the brake fluid from coming out because:
1. clamping the brake hoses will likelly damage them, or if not, will lower the life/quality/etc.
2. releasing the fluid all out (hence exposing the system to air) will joperdize the ABS system as far as I heard.

Thanks for any hint!

Catalin

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Use a brake hose plug, but even using the plugs you'll need to bleed the system after installing the calipers. You can use the old brake hose washers, but if you're going to pick up the plugs might as well pick up new washers.

Acuralin

Do you have have a link to such plugs, have you used them before?
I assume they have the shape of the banjo bolt since this is how the hose hooks up to the caliper.
I called a couple of auto stores, no one knows about them, they recommended me clamping pliers instead

Thanks.

jokerman826

When i disassembled my brakes, I just let the entire system drain out, That allowed me to have completely new brake fluid in the car. Some poeple would probably advise against that, but i had not problems after i spent a long time bleeding the lines

ez12a

mmm i can see why because you really dont want air getting into the VSA unit. iirc the only way to get air out of that unit is to do abs engaging stops, then re-bleed.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

You never clamp a brake line.
I keep tapered rubber plugs in the garage, but here's the idea:
http://www.stockcap.com/rubber-stoppers.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-pc-Silico...item519834e6f2

Acuralin

Thanks for helping Turbonut.

But if the plugs are tapered (conical) and the hose fitting is cylindrical, then the plug will cover one side only, it will leave the other side open, right, hence fluid will leak?

The banjo bolt itslef is cylindrical, unless I am wrong, cause I never took it off...

SpiderX1016

I just use needle nose vice grips with rubber hose on the ends.

You could just leave a bottle upside down on the master to keep it topped off and let it gravity bleed if your worried about damaging the hose.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Sorry about that, you're correct:
http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-25802-13888.aspx

94eg!

I've done Civic calipers in the wheel well before by hanging them from the UCA with a coat hanger. Worked extremely well. I masked off the wheel well and suspension and never had to disconnect the hoses. It's nice cause you can still prep the caliper with a wire brush & rotary tool (or drill), and easily mask everything you need to.

Acuralin

I ended up ordering them from here:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...___#fragment-2
I will see how well they seal, I wish some one tried them before I place the order and advice how good they are.

I asked another 2 independent mechanics how they do it, they clamp the brake hose, I asked the dealer how they do it, they clamp the hose. The guy who sold me the sealing washers was surprised I am buying them, he said he used to work in the shop (this is an Acura shop) and they never change the sealing washers (even if service manual requires so) unless there is a leak.
Surprise, surprise...

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Just goes to show you how many uneducated mechanics there are. This is not simply a rubber hose, but a combination of layers that don't like being compressed:
http://www.southbayriders.com/forums...hmentid=349612

Acuralin

Thanks, got them and used them as you suggested.
I was just amazed how no one, but I mean no one I asked would not use plugs but they would clamp the hose, including dealer, mechanics etc.