Does anyone know...

[Justin Cyder]

Okay, now the procrastination has finally been got around to, I've got to get on & replace the brake pipes on my R53 Cooper S.

Now, As they're one of the first things fitted, it follows I've got a fair bit of undoing to do. The exhaust is no problem, but the fuel tank might be. Can I drop it a bit by undoing the retaining straps, or do I need to go the whole hog & remove it & by implication, the breather, neck, lines, electrics etc. Obviously I'd love to just drop it a few inches to clear the brake lines.

Anyone done one?

[ch427]

personally if it were me i wouldnt want to drop the tank, bit of a nightmare!
You may be able to do them with it supported on a jack or similar if it will come down enough, ive chopped them out in the past on other cars and run them in a different location (not always possible) and made new ones out of copper.

[The Black Flash]

Copper brake line is cheap, so if you can route them differently to avoid the problem, that's what I'd do.

[Justin Cyder]

Agree the tank could be problematic to remove. However, it's held on by straps, so could be dropped enough to allow clearance. I've had a mooch & will take a proper look over the weekend before deciding one way or the other.

[bearman68]

Did a mini one the other day - I too thought the tank had to come out, but in fact the brake lines can be manovered in and around the tank without dropping it. Maybe a cooper is different, but it wasn't too bad at all with the mini - few hours over the pit.

[Justin Cyder]

In the end I dropped the exhaust off the straps & the centre bracket & loosened the tank but left it all hooked up & it was enough to work around. Horrible job though between corroded unions & crud dropping off the bottom of the car.

All I can say is thank the lord for pressure bleeders. Marvellous pieces of kit.

[bearman68]

The mini I did had a spongy brake pedal - I replaced the pads and discs (no better), then the 4 calipers because 2 had seized, and 1 had sheared the bleed nipple, and still no better. I had someone stamp on the brakes while I had a look underneath, just in time to see a corrodded brake line give up.
Dear gods, was that a lucky find..........?

[Justin Cyder]

Well I suppose that would leave you with the other circuit, but yes, good find right enough. There is a known fault with rear calipers seizing leading to a spongy pedal apparently.

On a related note, what I wouldn't give for a ramp. That job was all told about five hours on my back. I have aches on my aches, I'm still finding grit on my person & I smell like brakes.

[bearman68]

And getting the bloody hand brake cable out was a swine too. Heat it with the propane right next to the fuel tank. That was OK, I just couldn't use the hammer with crossed fingers
I've got one of these, and very good it is too - It's the mobile scissors lift I have.....
http://www.bhrepairs.co.uk/