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Posted by: Soul Nov 15 2009, 12:42 PM

Okay,

for those who don't know, I bought a '71 914 1.7 from the original owner. It runs great but I am in the process of getting it up to date.

To make a long story longer, I am replacing the soft lines. What it the trick to getting to the soft line as it comes down from the hardline that comes from the splitter?

I got the side off that goes to the hard line that fits up to the wheel. I just cannot see, fit a wrench in, or turn anything in the space provided to get that collapsed rubber line off.

I searched with no success. Any help you can give would be MUCH appreciated.

Posted by: sean_v8_914 Nov 15 2009, 02:03 PM

crows foot AKA brake line wrench
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47928

Posted by: Soul Nov 15 2009, 02:26 PM

Thanks Sean!

Based on your signature, we would be best friends if you lived in LA . You "like" working on the things I hate working on (Fuel injection, electrical)

Posted by: Eric_Shea Nov 15 2009, 07:09 PM

The trick is to cut the rubber hose off at the union. Use a deep well 14mm (if I recall) socket to spin it off from below. Use the flare wrench on the 11mm hard line fitting to hold it in place.

One of the worst jobs on a 914.

Posted by: 7275914911 Nov 15 2009, 09:21 PM

Drop the motor and this job is soooo much easier....ask me how I know!

Go Eric's route and stay after it. You are doing the easy part of this job now. Once it's loose there is the dreaded CLIP. There is no easy way to get at those clips with the motor in the car. I was able to wiggle the line around enough to finally get mine loose with my gloved fingers. Other's have found creative way's to use pliers and you might be able to get to it between tin and engine rubber.


Good Luck
KP

Posted by: Eric_Shea Nov 15 2009, 10:52 PM

Clip - Screwdriver through the access hole up top on the engine shelf. Tap at it to loosen. Then, small Vise-Grips on the lip below. Clamp tight and tap off with a hammer.

Posted by: SLITS Nov 15 2009, 11:00 PM

Busted, bloody and bruised knuckles ......

Posted by: Soul Nov 15 2009, 11:50 PM

....it gets worse.

I went to buy a set of crowsfoot wrenches. The set I bought had a 10,12,13,14,15, and 17 mm wrenches.

The guy that designed this was one mean, evil SOB.

I already considered dropping that engine....

I will gt back at it tomorrow.

Posted by: Gint Nov 16 2009, 08:14 AM

It's a b1tch no matter what you use. I wear gloves. And I've gotten the clips out with vise grips.

Posted by: tat2dphreak Nov 16 2009, 09:24 AM

it's been a while, but I did the same thing Eric suggested. I used a 1/2" breaker bar that's about 3' long

the brakes are some of the most frustrating jobs I've done on the car. but also one of the most rewarding.