brake hoses keep leaking

I've got new hoses, new (rebuilt) calipers, new bolts and copper washers and the #!@#$%*! things keep leaking at the calipers. I've tried putting the washers just between the hose end and the caliper, between both the hose end and caliper and the bolt and hose end as well as every other combination you can think of and it still leaks!

Any thoughts? These front brakes are gonna put me in the looney bin!

 

How tight are you making the bolts. I know those banjo bolts and copper washers are very easy to overtighten and you'll crush the washers and they will leak.

Check and find out what the proper torque is for those.

 

You definitely need copper washers on each side of the fitting. Are you sure you have the correct bolts? Not too long, for another application? How about the washers...correct diameter?

If everything is correct, there really shouldn't be that much problem getting them to seal. Just double check your parts, or compare to your originals.

 

Thanks guys,

As Phil might remember, I did a junk yard disc brake conversion so I didn't have bolts or washers. I got them from the "help" section at Advance supposedly for my application.

I've changed many a caliper and brake hose in my life without a problem but on this...I'm on my second set of hard lines and my third set of brake hoses. I've had leaks at every fitting and I've managed to get them all fixed except this. I guess I'll try to find new hardware not from the "help" section and be careful as to how tight I make the bolts. If that doesn't work then o No:

 

did you happen to paint the bare calipers before installing?

 

I had that happen to me once on a rebuilt caliper, and it was because the threads were cross threaded by the previous user and the rebuilder didn't notice. I'm willing to bet that's your problem. :bglasses:

 

Yeh I did paint them but I taped off the area where the hose attaches.

I hope its not the calipers as I've had them so long I doubt I can return them but I will check that too.

 

I once used Teflon tape on a troublesome fitting and it held for many years

 

another thing to check is - are there any scratches on the faces (both sides) of fittings on the end of the brake hose whre it connects to the caliper ?
i had one brake hose like that which was scratched on one face and i had trouble making it seal. also check the face of the caliper at the connection for any scratches. the copper washers are not the greatest sealers.