Freelander 1 TD4 is dead - long live the V6 - brake pipe details please

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andyfreelandy

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Devon
See other threads, but now onto a complete 're-brake' of my new V6 2001 Freelander. 54k from new !

I'm going to replace all brakes from ABS down. Calipers, discs, drums etc I can do no problem. Does anyone know how much brake pipe - what size, what type of flare, what size unions, how many unions etc ?? Is there a suitable tool to do all flares that others have used - it seems a minefield !!!

Many thanks...........
 
Standard 3/16ths pipe and you'll need about 30ft if you're changing all of it. All unions are standard 10mm male with single flairs, except the hose ends sometimes need a reverse flair. Also try to find unions with a short non threaded section, as the hose thread isn't very deep.
The other strange thing is the ABS modulator uses 1 standard 10mm male union and 3 13mm unions. I couldn't find those at short notice, so re-used the ones from the old pipe.
I'd advise replacing the flexibility pipes too, as the old ones will be rusted and unusable.
Its not a bad idea to get some spare plastic pipe clips, as some will break when removing the old pipe, especially those around the fuel tank which are difficult to get at.
I did mine for the MOT last year, which took me about 5 hours to replace and bleed the system through.

I'd love another low miles V6, although in facelift guise next time, however the fuel bills would crippling.
 
Your local car parts shop should have rolls of 3/16” copper pipe and bags of male and female unions (10mm nut) to fit. Two rolls and a bag of each should do the whole car, but there are a couple of unions on the ABS unit that you’ll have to re-use.

Generic brake pipe flare tools (3/16”) are all over Amazon, about £25.

Do look up and study OP1 and OP2 flares, and don’t be tempted to make a female flare by just opening up the end of the pipe in a single layer. A good look at the original fitting should tell you whether to do OP1 or 2. Practice, and use a dab of red rubber grease to ease the flaring. At least once, you’ll produce a beautiful flare and found you’ve forgotten to put the union on first.

Before you start, open a bleed nipple somewhere and wedge the brake pedal down - this will stop the system draining out once it’s open. Also, chop the old pipe out with wire cutters in sections and follow it with the copper, which can be run like electrical wiring. This way, you’ll get the routing correct.

When you’re done, don’t go pumping the pedal to bleed all that air through - fill the reservoir, open the bleed nipples, and go for a quick cuppa. Once they’re all dripping, tighten up and pedal bleed as normal.

Rusty pipes are a common problem up here, and I’ve done several of my own and my mates’ cars. Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

Oh, and remember that copper pipes don’t need tightening like steel ones - snug up by hand and maybe half a turn. Test the system well before you drive the car, engine running and a good hard press on the pedal. Any drippers - another 1/4 turn. If you overtighten them, they’ll just fly apart under pressure.
 
Brilliant detail and advice - thanks to you both. Will be doing survey but probs replace calipers and slaves at same time, probably hubs and discs too. Car looks good on first survey, new tyres, SE trim, 53,400 on the clock, seats mint, engine quiet, receipts for cam belts, head gasket and water pump at 44k. Regular oil changes. Bad bits (known to me) MOT failed on brake discs and pipes. Rear door - everything inoperative (lock, window, catch etc). No remote fob, no radio code, air con clutch not switching in, water in rear box, fairly rusty on rear suspension - tbc what this affects.

Saved it from the scrapper - nice Epsom Green with only one dent in rear wing.
A project, but for scrap money what could possibly go wrong??
 
Good luck with this, sounds like a great project.
Just one thing though, DO NOT GET DRIPS OR SPLASHES OF BRAKE FLUID ON THE PAINT!!!!!
Don't ask how I know. :oops:
 
Decided that I am hogging too many threads with bits of my disaster!! So started a new one as the work covered may be of interest to some. I have called it TD4 & V6 Rebuild Projects. Thanks for help and encouragement !
 
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