69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

[Michael C.]

[Richard M.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

Mike, try CRC Freeze-Off on the nut. I get mine at Napa but others have it also.

Wrap rags around and under the area of the nut. Apply for 20 seconds per instructions.

It is a strong and smelly spray, as it has penetrant in the recipe too.

It may take a few applications. It will freeze the nut to shrink it in the block. Have tools in position to wrench it while frozen.

I've had good luck using it. Gary Chesnut put me onto it years ago.

Rich

[Michael C.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

Rich, Thanks for the tip, but I couldn't make it work for me after several applications. Even with the flare nut wrench some the corners on the nut are becoming rounded slightly.

A person I know suggested using a mapp torch with a very small flame on the brass block. Of course that would heat the brass more quickly than the heat gun and might cause the brass to expand more quickly than the nut. There's no gasoline or oil in the engine bay, but I will have to completely cleanup the CRC residue first.

[Richard M.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

Mike, Sorry it didn't work out for you. It must be rusted very badly. Yes be careful with the heat from a torch. Have some wet rags handy. Sometimes if you try to actually tighten the nut it may crack it just enough to then loosen the rust.

Rich

[Peter H.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

Michael. I Would Suggest Using A Box End Wrench. If That Nut Is That Tight A Flare Wrench Will Open Up The Box Wrench Will Surround The Nut Completely Peter 🇨🇦

[Michael C.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

Rich, as you can see in the photo, there is little/no visible rust or other corrosion. Must be something down in the threads. Might just be a case of over-tightening when I had it off many (younger) years ago.

Peter, maybe you and I have different definitions for a "box end wrench." The box end wrenches I have don't have an opening to get around the nut with the tube in place. That tube runs all the way to the rear of the car...no couplings along the way.

DistributionBlock.jpg

[Larry M.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

The BEST line or flare wrench available is from Snap-on. I would buy one and try it.

When doing my 67 brake system, I purchased the Snap-on wrenches and used them. Nothing better.

Larry

[Scott P.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

Mike, As silly as it sounds try holding the flare nut wrench and turning the adjustable wrench you have on the body.
Or if you have room, use a large adj 12-14" on the body and an extension on the flare nut wrench, by interlocking a 9/16" or 5/8" box/open end wrench and the open end of the flare nut wrench. That extra leverage might do it. Practice putting the two wrenches together off the car. Scott

[Mark M.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

I agree with Larry, snap on line wrenches work best. Check if a metric size goes on tighter.

[Mark L.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

It appears it is off the car. If you can sacrifice the steel line I would put the fitting in a vise and turn the block. That's how I got mine out.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

I agree with the Snap on, only I use a crows foot wrench of the needed size and have the adjustable wrenches up against something solid like the frame . You can put a long 30 inch extension on and have the adjustable wrench supported and with a long handle socket, give it a lot more muscle to break it loose. The snap on crows foot wrench will not flex and round off the flare nut. Every one I have ever removed took a lot of force. Don't be shocked by the price of the crows foot wrench.

[Mark E.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

If it works, maybe just leave it and move on.

[Michael C.]

[Richard M.]

Re: 69 Brake Line Distribution Block / Switch Removal

Mike, have you tried setting up your 2 wrenches to form a "V", about 3" apart at their tips?

Then using both hands, grasp the wrenches and squeeze them until it hurts?

Using heavy leather gloves helps prevent the hurt.

Rich