installing SS brake hoses, leaks

watchdawg · January 8, 2007

I'm currently installing replacement SS brake hoses on my '96 GMC Sierra 2wd. I've installed all 3 lines, but I have a problem with 2 of them. They leak through the hole in the fitting(where the brake line goes through). They just seep a bit, it's hard to notice.

I followed the torque specs on in the service manual and the SS line docs, and I don't want to tighten beyond the maximum torque setting(13-18lbs). Has anyone else had this problem?

All of the brake hoses on the truck were a nightmare to break loose(very tight), but I bought this truck new and I don't think they've ever been touched before.

I'd appreciate any advice you might have.

Thanks!

Bish · January 8, 2007

I'm currently installing replacement SS brake hoses on my '96 GMC Sierra 2wd. I've installed all 3 lines, but I have a problem with 2 of them. They leak through the hole in the fitting(where the brake line goes through). They just seep a bit, it's hard to notice.

I followed the torque specs on in the service manual and the SS line docs, and I don't want to tighten beyond the maximum torque setting(13-18lbs). Has anyone else had this problem?

All of the brake hoses on the truck were a nightmare to break loose(very tight), but I bought this truck new and I don't think they've ever been touched before.

I'd appreciate any advice you might have.

Thanks!

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When I replaced mine, I had one above the rear diff that leaked. All I did was crank it down (a bit beyond torque spec) and it went away. My guess is you have something in the seat where it seals. I would take them apart and look into the seating area and perhaps clean it out with a rag on a small screwdriver or something you can get in there. It doesn't seal via the threads, it seals on the end where it "seats" into the connector. Not a great technical term but I think you get the idea.

watchdawg · January 8, 2007

When I replaced mine, I had one above the rear diff that leaked. All I did was crank it down (a bit beyond torque spec) and it went away. My guess is you have something in the seat where it seals. I would take them apart and look into the seating area and perhaps clean it out with a rag on a small screwdriver or something you can get in there. It doesn't seal via the threads, it seals on the end where it "seats" into the connector. Not a great technical term but I think you get the idea.

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I could definitely tighten them down more, but I'm concerned that I'll damage the brake lines in the process. With a torque spec that low, I definitely don't want to go too overboard or I'll end up having to replace the brake lines too!

I'll check for debris on the flare of the brake line again. Thanks.

Bish · January 8, 2007

Just to add....when I tightened down the one, I had to go pretty tight for the size fitting IMO. I was worried I might strip it. As I said though, three years and 80K later they are still tight.

watchdawg · January 8, 2007

Just to add....when I tightened down the one, I had to go pretty tight for the size fitting IMO. I was worried I might strip it. As I said though, three years and 80K later they are still tight.

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I'll take the rear line off tonight and double-check all of the surfaces for debris/etc. and then reassemble to see what happens. Thanks for the advice.

watchdawg · January 10, 2007

Thanks for the advice. I cleaned and inspected the flares again and everything checked out. I reinstalled them with a bit more elbow grease and they don't appear to leak. Thanks again!

Rolandd · January 10, 2007

Two thoughts:

Is the shape of the flare correct for the fitting--some flare out and some flare in and they can still seal OK with the wrong shape flare:

Ascii art:

double flare in:

--------//

--------\\

double flare out:

--------/\

--------\/

Also, you may want to put anti-sieze compund on the threads in case you need to disassemble these connections for any reason.

watchdawg · January 11, 2007

Two thoughts:

Is the shape of the flare correct for the fitting--some flare out and some flare in and they can still seal OK with the wrong shape flare:

Ascii art:

double flare in:

--------//

--------\\

double flare out:

--------/\

--------\/

Also, you may want to put anti-sieze compund on the threads in case you need to disassemble these connections for any reason.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The SS hoses have the same flare, the only significant difference is the size of the hole in the middle of the flare. I torqued them down fairly well and they don't seem to be leaking. I bled the brakes and road-tested the truck and it seems to be working fine, although I don't really notice the improvement with SS lines.

Thanks for the input!