Removing old brake hoses

[Azrael]

I'm having trouble getting rid of my old ones (probably from the factory 13 years ago) to install a goodridge set plus a new set of calipers. With the first one I did the hardline fitting was seized to the pipe so it twisted and sheared before I noticed it. I know I have to replace that whole line now. I tried the other front one and I can't get it loose and nearly rounded the hardline's fitting. I get the feeling that the rear ones aren't going to be any easier so any suggestions? My first impulse was to use a propane torch to heat the fittings up a bit but I'm not too sure if that's a good idea. For now I'm just soaking them in wd-40.

Also, I stripped the threads for a caliper bolt on one steering knuckle. Is it safe to use a helicoil or should I just get another knuckle? I hoped iron was tougher than that...

[IsaacHayes]

Use PB Blaster. 100x better than WD40. A little heat WILL help. You can flare the existing old metal line for a new fitting if it's damaged without replacing the whole metal lines.

[pocket-rocket]

To answer your problem with rounding off the flare nuts (link is for the pic only :P):

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00996853000P?vName=Tools

I won't use regular wrenches on brake lines any more. I bought a set of flare nut wrenches a while back, and it made the job 1000x easier. I think I paid about $15 for a set of 4 a couple of years ago. I could be wrong, they could run around $20, but still, they made the job tons easier. No more stripping/rounding flare nuts when you use these. Like the old saying goes: Use the right tools for the job.

[Azrael]

Yea flare-nut wrenches would have been great. Brother told me he had a set after everything was said and done. Had a mechanic replace the knuckle. It was so seized in it took the poor guy 8 hours to get it out. That was one expensive bolt-hole to strip.

[pocket-rocket]

I hate it when that happens. It is bad enough when you get one that the nut doesn't turn on the line, snapping it in two.