seized brake line union??
 

Hi all, whilst replacing discs and pads I noticed a damp area round the flexi hose to solid pipe union in the left wheel arch, I needed to remove the caliper anyway so thought to fix the leak at the same time. So tried disconnecting the union, no go, apparently seized, am I missing something? If you look at the attached pic it shows the upper flexi pipe and lower solid pipe but there's some weird oval spring thing? is this locking the union? or does it just need more muscle? Don't want to bugger it up!

940 tdi auto 1995
 

hi you can see this how it comes apart on tube i think . been wanting to swop my hoses for a while now and service brake calipers quite a few on here know how to do this job im sure too

Pipe nut screws into your flexi hose, there is some "nobbles" that locate flexi onto that bracket and spring clip is supposed to hold it steady so you can undoe your pipe nut.
Works ok on a new car but when its approaching 30, its a differant story.
Take 2 smallish hammers, hold 1 against the flexi where nut is and give opposite side a good square crack or 3.
Then use a pair of mole grips (carefully) hold flexi just above bracket then use a good tight fitting spanner and it should come undone.
Good luck!

Worth dousing it before you start with a 50/50 mix of acetone and synthetic ATF - give it a good shake after mixing then squirt it on so it can get at the threads. Let it soak a few minutes and it should undo nicely. ;) :D

Thanks Guys thought it was straightforward, will have a crack tomorrow.

Try and clean the solid pipe up as well so the union will unscrew. I also prefer to use a proper brake flare spanner, these grip better on all sides rather than just flats with an open ended spanner.

Found this when I did mine.
 

I'll try to describe it as I wrote it up in my log.
The flexi pipe and the rigid pipe join at a substantial steel bracket on the inner wing panel. The hexagonal end of the flexi (14 mms.) positively locates into a hexagonal hole on the bracket and is retained by a spring clip below the bracket. This clip is itself retained by the male union on the rigid pipe. (11 mms. ) Once the rigid pipe union has been loosened it should be possible to remove the spring clip and then the flexi pipe from the bracket. As suggesterd by kelvinp clean up the rigid pipe as much as possible to allow the union to turn and move along the pipe. I doused the whole lot with plusgas and invested in a set of brake flare spanners which kelvinp also suggests. Some patience and care should then work.

All done, the atf/acetone mix did the trick, separated nicely, cleaned up and refitted, lost a fair bit of fluid though. Now I need to bleed it, bit concerned that as it's ABS there may be problems if air got into the ABS unit? I know there is a bleed sequence for ABS cars, do I need a pressure bleeder (Seeley type?) or can I do it the old fashioned way?

Pressure Bleeder.
 

I've used a pressure bleeder for several years now. Much easier and no assistance required.

Thanks Ian, looks like I'll be getting one! the forum's ABS maintenance guide https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/Bra...forCarswithABS shows the correct sequence.
I guess it's pressure up the system and bleed each in turn. Not having used one of these is there a specific pressure for ABS?