ThreeSheds Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Last night I had to cut off a union when it wouldn't undo without twisting the pipe. Since the pipe was in generally good condition and was an awkward one to replace I decided to fit a new union. For this I needed approximately 2" of straight pipe at the end and I only had 11/2" before a fairly sever (but well-formed) bend and so I had to straighten it - this I did by careful manipulation using a section of another pipe which nicely slipped over the brake pipe. And so to the questions: 1. What techniques do people use to free up unions that have seized to the pipe - I usually find that tightening them a fraction before attempting to undo them works, but in this case it didn't. 2. Does anyone know of a simple technique or tool for straightening brake pipes? 3. Does anyone know where can I get red 'brake grease' since I think that a smear of this on the unions before assembly might help with subsequent disassembly.. Cheers, Roger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aragorn Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 I normally just use anti-sieze (copper grease) on the threads when i'm assembling brake unions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 If you straighten a pipe that you intend to re-bend and re-fit, then you are significantly weakening it - especially steel, which may fracture anyway. If I can't undo a union, I cut the pipe and then use a socket, which usually always works. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeSheds Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 If you straighten a pipe that you intend to re-bend and re-fit, then you are significantly weakening it - especially steel, which may fracture anyway. If I can't undo a union, I cut the pipe and then use a socket, which usually always works.Les. Yes - in this case I cut the pipe at the union before it twisted beyond it's elastic limit (not far! ), then straightened it and then managed to replace the original bend with two new ones either side of where the original was so I didn't introduce any additional stress - it was copper or Kunifer too.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 rubber grease is available from Frosts Auto restorers website, or on ebay. Though I think the copper grease may be better, and regular attention after powerwashing with waxoil black would be best. G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WESTENDER Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 my mate bought "red brake grease " from Halfords this morning, its got Teflon in as the lubricant i used it on his Honda PanAms sticky front caliper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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