Changing Brake Line Gotchas?

2SS Capt · 02-07-2024, 04:56 PM

I had some credit at Phastek and decided to get some upgraded RST Stainless Steel Brake Lines for my 2SS (non-1LE), I figured it would be the perfect time to put them on since I was going to replace my brake fluid with Castrol SRF.

Any gotchas on changing the brake lines and/or bleeding the brakes/changing fluid? I've done brake fluid replacements on others car just not this one.

Any advice or insight would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Christian1LE · 02-07-2024, 05:01 PM

Never done it myself but will soon, here is what my friend told me to do.

"Brake lines very easy, just do the lines in the correct order to avoid running the brake fluid too low.

Detach from caliper and tuck the stock line high enough that it doesn't drip, install new line on caliper side, then take off old line from body side and install new line. Top off brake fluid right away if needed. Just trying to minimize risk of running air into ABS pump"

kropscamaro16 · 02-07-2024, 05:08 PM

when i had mine installed the shop said new camaro was a bitch to do lol just to do it like 4 times and something about the master cylinder was tricky to get all of the old fluid out

now i just do a drain and refill every year so its not as bad ive been told

Eric10905 · 02-07-2024, 09:56 PM

Might check out this note.

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=609473

2SS Capt · 02-07-2024, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric10905

Might check out this note.

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=609473

WOW, thank you!

Eric10905 · 02-08-2024, 12:05 PM

No worries. Line replacement and bleeding is easy. If you don't already have something, I recommend a bleeding tool such as Motive. I use the dry method since I bleed and change fluid a lot for track use. There's some step by steps on here somewhere as well.

2SS Capt · 02-09-2024, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric10905

No worries. Line replacement and bleeding is easy. If you don't already have something, I recommend a bleeding tool such as Motive. I use the dry method since I bleed and change fluid a lot for track use. There's some step by steps on here somewhere as well.

Would you please elaborate on what "Motive" is? I bought a check valve bleeding bottle from Amazon, but my Brother will be here to help (another "Car Guy" of 45+ years) but I just don't want to screw this up... The thread about mounting the lines correctly (so they have full lock-to-lock motion) was very eye opening, it is just those kinds of things that come to light that one might not think about...

This is the check-valve bleeder I bought on Amazon... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have no problem returning it or getting something else if there is something better or more appropriate...

Thank you for everyone who has provided input and suggestions, it is very much appreciated! I always try to help where I can and I appreciate the help when needed or requested, thank you!

arpad_m · 02-09-2024, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SS Capt

Would you please elaborate on what "Motive" is? I bought a check valve bleeding bottle from Amazon, but my Brother will be here to help (another "Car Guy" of 45+ years) but I just don't want to screw this up... The thread about mounting the lines correctly (so they have full lock-to-lock motion) was very eye opening, it is just those kinds of things that come to light that one might not think about...

This is the check-valve bleeder I bought on Amazon... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have no problem returning it or getting something else if there is something better or more appropriate...

Thank you for everyone who has provided input and suggestions, it is very much appreciated! I always try to help where I can and I appreciate the help when needed or requested, thank you!

This is the Motive bleeder he meant: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TK9FE8. It has a pump and a pressure gauge, which makes brake fluid changes much easier, no more guesswork about always having enough pressure in the lines.

cdb95z28 · 02-09-2024, 06:58 AM

The Motive pressure bleeder is one of the best tools I bought. Easy one man bleeding. But don't put the fluid in the Motive. Just keep adding to the reservoir. Don't let it run dry. Keep checking the level.

You may need to do an ABS solenoid bleed procedure. There are some scan tools on Amazon that can do this.

Eric10905 · 02-09-2024, 12:09 PM

^ yep, these guys answered and agree with both. OP, unfamiliar with the check valve bleeder you linked. It may work fine, but I've never used one myself so can't say. I used the Motive bleeder (dry) since I bleed a lot for track reasons.

The thread linked below is pretty detailed, albeit, I have never reviewed it step-step. Note the change in order by Carguy55.

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...ighlight=brake

It must be age, as now I am remembering more. Use a torque wrench on the bleeders.

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=614932

DaveC113 · 02-09-2024, 12:36 PM

When I did my lines I didn't realize the ABS pump might need a scan tool to bleed, but using the Motive pressure bleeder, it went fine. I was doing some other work so I just let it ALL drain out, and still had no issues. I wouldn't do it that way again though.

2SS Capt · 02-09-2024, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric10905

^ yep, these guys answered and agree with both. OP, unfamiliar with the check valve bleeder you linked. It may work fine, but I've never used one myself so can't say. I used the Motive bleeder (dry) since I bleed a lot for track reasons.

The thread linked below is pretty detailed, albeit, I have never reviewed it step-step. Note the change in order by Carguy55.

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...ighlight=brake

It must be age, as now I am remembering more. Use a torque wrench on the bleeders.

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=614932

Ok, I just ordered the power bleeder, what size are the bleeders on the calipers and what is their torque?

atx_traveler · 02-09-2024, 03:02 PM

Get a set of these flare nut wrenches: https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-5...Set/1000600333

I didn't worry too much about torque; I simply set the wrench back to its starting position and called it good.

dpevans · 02-11-2024, 01:11 PM

My experience was to attach it to the steel line before you attach it to the caliper. I found it can be a pain to get the threads lined up if the line is not loose. Once attached to the frame then let some some fluid drip out and attach to the caliper. When I remove the OEM line from the caliper I use a piece of inter tube tire rubber and a small clap to keep the line from leak fluid while I remove it from the steel line. I use the Motive bleeder and have never had an issue but I have heard of people having issues with the antilock and having to go through the GM bleed procedure with a scan tool.

02-07-2024, 04:56 PM	#1
2SS Capt 2020 Shadow Gray 2SS Drives: 2020 2SS - A10, NPP, MRC, CAI Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: SoCal Posts: 3,031	Changing Brake Line Gotchas? I had some credit at Phastek and decided to get some upgraded RST Stainless Steel Brake Lines for my 2SS (non-1LE), I figured it would be the perfect time to put them on since I was going to replace my brake fluid with Castrol SRF. Any gotchas on changing the brake lines and/or bleeding the brakes/changing fluid? I've done brake fluid replacements on others car just not this one. Any advice or insight would be appreciated. Thanks! __________________ 2020 SGM 2SS - A10, NPP, MRC, Red Calipers, Black Camaro Fender Badge, Footwell Lighting *Added after delivery:* - GMP CAI, GMP Black Strut Tower Brace, MRR017 1LE Wheels, SS Armrest, Black Fuel Door, Stainless Sport Pedals, SS Wheel Caps, Black Lugs/Locks, GM Splash Guards, DD Smoked LED Markers, Smoked Rear Reflectors, Mishimoto Catch Can, Xpel PPF - Full Front, SunTek 35% Tint, CeramicPro coating, RST Stainless Brake Lines, Castrol SRF, MSD Super Conductor Wires *Left: My "fun" ride. Right: My "work" ride: a Gulfstream G600. One's top speed is 180 Mph, the other, 620 Mph...*

02-07-2024, 05:08 PM	#3
kropscamaro16 Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 909 Posts: 9,817	when i had mine installed the shop said new camaro was a bitch to do lol just to do it like 4 times and something about the master cylinder was tricky to get all of the old fluid out now i just do a drain and refill every year so its not as bad ive been told __________________ 16 1SS NIGHTFALL GRAY METALLIC WITH NPP #BECAUSERACECAR #SAVETHEMANUALS

02-09-2024, 06:58 AM	#9
cdb95z28 Drives: 2022 1SS 1LE A10 BCD WCT+PDR Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Johnstown, PA Posts: 3,206	The Motive pressure bleeder is one of the best tools I bought. Easy one man bleeding. But don't put the fluid in the Motive. Just keep adding to the reservoir. Don't let it run dry. Keep checking the level. You may need to do an ABS solenoid bleed procedure. There are some scan tools on Amazon that can do this. __________________ 2022 1SS 1LE A10 BCD WCT+PDR2014 1SS 1LE NPP RECARO SIM-SOLD1995 Z28 M6 GSC PGM-SOLD1975 NOVA COUPE 300HP 350 TH350 FLASH RED-SOLD

02-09-2024, 12:36 PM	#11
DaveC113 Drives: 2018 Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Front Range, CO Posts: 1,868	When I did my lines I didn't realize the ABS pump might need a scan tool to bleed, but using the Motive pressure bleeder, it went fine. I was doing some other work so I just let it ALL drain out, and still had no issues. I wouldn't do it that way again though. __________________

02-07-2024, 05:01 PM	#2
Christian1LE Drives: 2004 BMW 330CI, 2022 1SS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: NC Posts: 745	Never done it myself but will soon, here is what my friend told me to do. "Brake lines very easy, just do the lines in the correct order to avoid running the brake fluid too low. Detach from caliper and tuck the stock line high enough that it doesn't drip, install new line on caliper side, then take off old line from body side and install new line. Top off brake fluid right away if needed. Just trying to minimize risk of running air into ABS pump"

02-07-2024, 09:56 PM	#4
Eric10905 Geezer_loves_Camaros Drives: 2018 2SS, Black, A8 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Austin Posts: 225	Might check out this note. https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=609473

02-08-2024, 12:05 PM	#6
Eric10905 Geezer_loves_Camaros Drives: 2018 2SS, Black, A8 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Austin Posts: 225	No worries. Line replacement and bleeding is easy. If you don't already have something, I recommend a bleeding tool such as Motive. I use the dry method since I bleed and change fluid a lot for track use. There's some step by steps on here somewhere as well.

02-09-2024, 12:09 PM	#10
Eric10905 Geezer_loves_Camaros Drives: 2018 2SS, Black, A8 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Austin Posts: 225	^ yep, these guys answered and agree with both. OP, unfamiliar with the check valve bleeder you linked. It may work fine, but I've never used one myself so can't say. I used the Motive bleeder (dry) since I bleed a lot for track reasons. The thread linked below is pretty detailed, albeit, I have never reviewed it step-step. Note the change in order by Carguy55. https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...ighlight=brake It must be age, as now I am remembering more. Use a torque wrench on the bleeders. https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=614932

02-09-2024, 03:02 PM	#13
atx_traveler Drives: blue velvet Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 125	Get a set of these flare nut wrenches: https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-5...Set/1000600333 I didn't worry too much about torque; I simply set the wrench back to its starting position and called it good.

02-11-2024, 01:11 PM	#14
dpevans Drives: 2024 Riverside Blue 2SS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 1,208	My experience was to attach it to the steel line before you attach it to the caliper. I found it can be a pain to get the threads lined up if the line is not loose. Once attached to the frame then let some some fluid drip out and attach to the caliper. When I remove the OEM line from the caliper I use a piece of inter tube tire rubber and a small clap to keep the line from leak fluid while I remove it from the steel line. I use the Motive bleeder and have never had an issue but I have heard of people having issues with the antilock and having to go through the GM bleed procedure with a scan tool.

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