Need Remote Brake Reservoir Rubber Hoses

REDSC400 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009, 10:37 AM

Hi Gang....
For the last few months, I noticed that my driving shoes were picking up a dark cast to them where the come in contact with the driver's rug. Upon inspection (rubbing my hand on the driver's side carpet) my hand showed an oily substance. I removed the carpet and the aluminum floor pan on #375 was oily.

I noticed that the two heavy rubber hoses that bring brake fluid down from the brake fluid reservoir were "sweating" (for lack of a better discription) brake fluid. This was slowly coming in contact with the carpet and thus showing up on my shoes.

So... now I need to replace these two rubber reservior brake hoses after 16 years of use. Obviously these hoses must be DOT 3 brake fluid resistant. I have not taken the hoses off so I have no specs on them. A search of the ERA manuals does not list a source for these hoses nor their Inside Diameter. Since I am in CT I could run up to New Britain and bother the guys... but in any case..

1) Does anyone know a source for this kind of hose?

2) Does anyone have the inside diameter of the hose?

( I do see that Pegasus Racing has 5/16" ID remote brake reservoir rubber hose in their catalog)

Thanks in Advance...

Art in CT

Got the Bug · #2 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009, 11:17 AM

The clutch master hose on my SPF was also sweating. I had planned to replace it during the winter, but the problem mysteriously disappeared.

One suggestion that someone here previously recommended was to use the type of hose that is used on a VW reservoir (I think it's clear/blue with some lines through it). I called a VW parts place locally and they sell the stuff in any length.

strictlypersonl · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 05:50 AM

Tilton hose from Summit Racing

trularin · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 10:51 AM

Pegasus Racing is/was a Tilton supplier.

They ship fast.

REDSC400 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 05:15 PM

Thanks all for your input. I was wondering if perhaps firm lines (Stainless) would be perhaps a better solution long term?

The issue with the firm lines is that there are plastic 3/8" outlets on the reservoir as well as the two master cylinders.... How to make that connection still implies some sort of rubber to stainless fitting/coupling. Thus by splicing in stainless I would be adding 2 more points of failure per line for a total of 4.

Are the newer ERA's 700 series Serial Number cars also using the rubber hose remote reservoir for feeding the master cylinders? Or is there now some new way to make this feed of brake fluid?

Last thought... if your ERA's number is < #400 then do yourself a favor and check those remote reservoir hoses. Just a flashlight upon the inside of driver's side footbox and a paper towel is all that is needed. Please be on the safe side!

Cheers...

strictlypersonl · #6 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 05:37 PM

On the post-731 chassis we've gone to hard lines (with short pieces of hose as connectors in certain places). The reason for the hard lines is we've moved the reservoir(s) to the driver's side wheelwell so the lines are run fairly close to the exhaust pipes. Rubber (or urethane) wouldn't stand up very well.

patrickt · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDSC400

Are the newer ERA's 700 series Serial Number cars also using the rubber hose remote reservoir for feeding the master cylinders? Or is there now some new way to make this feed of brake fluid?

On the newer cars I believe the BMW reservoir (and the three Girling reservoirs) are on the driver’s wheelwell. Both set-ups still use a portion of rubber hose however, and that was the subject of this brake leak thread I posted last year. Guess the Origin of this Leak - Lame Entertainment

REDSC400 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

On the newer cars I believe the BMW reservoir (and the three Girling reservoirs) are on the driver’s wheelwell. Both set-ups still use a portion of rubber hose however, and that was the subject of this brake leak thread I posted last year. Guess the Origin of this Leak - Lame Entertainment

Thanks for that information.... regarding the hard lines and the short hose connectors. I am more apt to stay with the two hoses as the hose has but 2 connections whereas a firm line with rubber at each end has in actuality 4 connections.

I was able to source the hose from ERA themselves, or Pegasus Racing or www.brakequip.com (thru one of their local dealers here in CT) as part number BQ322 a ten foot length. The hose should arrive soon.

Thanks to all for your help and also a plug to Neil Maken editor of Skinned Knucles magazine who responded with the BrakeQuip lead. BTW, Skinned Knuckles is just a wonder journal for auto restoration and is in its 34th year of publication. www.skinnedknuckles.net