I was having trouble with my brakes... well, after bleeding them with a bleed kit, I got the front brakes to work. After about 5 minutes of testing the brakes, I noticed it was spongy and not braking as hard. When I tested the brakes while looking at the caliper, I saw fluid leaking from the Union bolt and copper washer on the bottom of the caliper (where the brake line attaches) every time I squeezed the brake lever. No problem I thought... I'll just replace the brake lines. I cannot get the union bolt off for the life of me! I've tried everything and I am stripping the bolt in the process. Is there a special way to do this? Anyone have any ideas?

 

Bump

 

Try heating it up, the caliper will expand and the bolt will stay cold.

 

Take a lil ball peen hammer and tap the bolt head while you have tension on the wrench.

 

OK... I'll try heating it up and striking it....

If and when I do get the bolt off and order new brake lines, do the new lines come with copper washers?

 

Probably depends on the kit you get. I would call the company first and ask.

 

OK... I've tried heating the metal components up, striking it with a hammer, everything I could this morning and ended up stripping the bolt even more. What else can I do with this stubborn bolt? I'm going to try soaking it with WD-40, but I highly doubt that will do anything.

 

Theres no reason that bolt should be that tight. But if it is, it might be time for an air impact wrench. You might have to use a inch socket, and maybe even have to hammer it on, to get a good bite.
Have you tried a chisel? tap the bolt in the direction of loosening.
You can get those copper washers at any napa store if the new lines dont have them.

 

you could maybe try turning it the right direction [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Left loosy righty tighty man. I have never had a problem with them brakeline bolts freezing up. before you strip the head you should snap the bolt. what kinda wrenches were you using?