Hey guys/gals. I decided to get my brakes going, figured it would be wise to do that before I fire the motor. Anyway my calipers are leaking where the hose connects. Both hose and calipers are less than a year old, I was wondering if the copper washers have a specific orientation?? I noticed one has multiple grooves on both sides and the other has a single groove. If thats not it I probably just screwed up the hose somehow. Thanks for any suggestions.
Matt Problem #1. Are you sure that's the right caliper? Carquest sold me those same calipers originally. They're Electra calipers. Make CERTAIN that the little fine ridges are NOT scratched or damaged. The A body caliper bolt points down.(The photo below shows the difference. The A body is on the left). Also, are those new hoses? Be careful as I bought new hoses and the thickness of the hose end was wider not allowing the right "bite". The original bolt was too short. I tried Chrysler bolts but still leaked I ended up with Earl's hoses which were a perfect fit and had the right thickness on the end.
Also, per GM, there is a proper copper gasket orientation. When you look at the inside edge of the gasket, one side is flat(sharp edge) the other is rounded(radiused). The flat side goes toward the pressure. Meaning the flat sides are installed with the hose end in between. One rounded side is against the caliper the other is against the underside of the bolt head. Here's the hose that was wrong thickness.
You may want to look closer to see which gasket is leaking and which side of the gasket(if you can tell). The original factory bolts have no ridges under the head. The bolt in your picture appears to be the Chrysler bolt which has no ridges either. The Motormite(Help) GM bolt has ridges. The GM replacement is on the left, original (middle), Chrysler on the right.
Reynold, Thanks for your quick and very informative reply. The brakes and hoses came as a kit from SSBC. I had them on the car before I tore it apart and they worked with no leaks. Although I think you may have given me a hint as to what the problem is....so um cleaning the surface rust off the gasket with a wire wheel would be a bad thing right? ou:
Yep. You don't want to muck with those sealing surfaces. Also, torque to 22#. Here's a link to my problem. Somebody posted that they had problems with SSBC hoses also. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=74768&highlight=brake+hoses
AHHH the power of V8Buick.com. Went to the parts store, bought new washers and dry as a bone. Still went ahead and ordered a set of those fancy stainless hoses like you got. Mostly because they look cool. Thanks again
