Stuck brake hose fittings

[47to70]

Wanted to crack the fittings on the rear brake hoses (am replacing them) before soldier #2 showed up to help bleed the brakes. The hoses are at least 100 years old (yeah, on a 50-year-old truck). Was only able to break one of the four nuts lose, two per hose of course, the three others will not budge. Who has a trick to help this 71-year-old rookie novice mechanic get the fittings on the rubber hoses to brake free?

 

[ToddJK]

I had a brake job once that the brake lines had a hole in them. This was on a pick up, but the nut on the metal line from the brake cylinder to the main line was frozen. Since that line had to be replaced, I cut it off at the nut and the new line came with a nut on it, so I was able to put a socket on it and break it loose. If you don't want to cut anything and I don't blame you if that's your decision, as long as the nut isn't stripping, use a buddy wrench for more leverage or use a longer wrench.

 

[47to70]

I had thought of cutting the line and getting a box end wrench on it (brass fittings), but your idea is better. Just hate to cut the line as there is no going back and am CDL (combat dead lined) for real. May have to do it if no other solution comes up. Thanks.

 

[Elk1111]

Oreilly’s sells some stuff called Free All in a chrome can with blue letters. It’s worked miracles on my truck. Spray and let it sit for a while. Works better than anything I’ve ever used on freeing up rusted parts.

 

[47to70]

Sure will give it a try before cutting................Thanks

 

[NDT]

It's a somewhat destructive method but try gripping the fitting with Vice-grips.

 

[glcaines]

Have you tried using a flare wrench? They get a much better grip than an open-end wrench. I've used a flare wrench with a piece of pipe over the wrench for more leverage and it popped all of them loose. Otherwise, the cutting and using a six-point socket, as mentioned above, is a great idea.

 

[Weldman]

.

 

[47to70]

Am headed to town tomorrow and will pick up a set of flair wrenches and some Free-All. Have not destroyed the flats on the brass nuts yet (which is my usual MO). Good suggestions, Thanks

 

[patracy]

Flair wrench for sure.

If the lines are trash, cut them at the fitting and use a 6 point socket.

I also like to take a small propane torch and heat up the fitting (not melting hot, but enough to help loosen them) female side. That causes it to expand outward and helps loosen the male side you're trying to remove.

 

[47to70]

Had wondered about putting a little heat to them.

 

[18operator]

Heat does wonders, except on fuel lines.

 

[47to70]

Got ur done..............................had to cut the lines and use a sockett....................thanks for all the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!