I've had trouble removing the brake lines at the caliper and especially at those flexible lines. I know they're on snug. But I have a tendency to strip those line heads even with an 11m line tool. Even though the wrench seems to fit tight, my first attempt to remove usually ends up stripping it. Then a get out a small vice grip and I may get it, but now the head is gone. What am I doing wrong? Is there a better tool?

Thanks, Bill

Bill,

I will describe you a trick I use. Worked every time for me.

Spray PB blaster and use a hammer blow on the coupling as it rests against a fair size piece of steel(short shaft or the like). Try to do it on two faces if possible. Spray again and repeat the hammer session tomorrow. And spray again.

You will be surprised by the results.

I sure remember doing exactly what has happened to you. I never seem to get lucky with the line wrenches working for me. Even when I clean off the fitting and allow Kroil penetrating fluid to soak on it I don't have much luck at getting them loose. After the first one I did the following and while it seems drastic I'm convinced it is the easiest route to follow:

Cut the brake line just below the fitting on the flex line. This allows you to use either a six point socket or a hex end box wrench. You then must go to an auto supply store and purchase a made up brake line of the approximate length of the original. Form the line to conform as closely as possible to the shape of the original and use anti-seize on the fittings before installing it between the flex line and the caliper. This works best if the caliper is detached from its mounting- it makes it much easier to get the fitting started on the caliper. After pushing the caliper into place and bolting it down go back and put the finishing touches on the brake line curves in a way that improves the alignment of the fitting to the caliper and removes the stresses in the line. This procedure works best if employed before the fitting is totally trashed.

Randy

Are you using a flare nut wrench or an ordinary open-end wrench?