CV8 Brake pipes

[andyluffs]

Hi all, I'm after a bit of advice regarding brake pipes.

My brother's '05 CV8 has just come back from it's MOT (it's been stored in a barn for the last 5 years) and it's failed on brake pipes. Both front-backs, the rear left to right and the fronts are looking a bit iffy too.

Realistically, how much work is this going to be? I know my way round a flaring tool and time isn't really an issue but does the rear subframe have to come off completely? It'll have to be done on my driveway.

I'm planning (if it is doable) to replace both handbrake cables and all the flexies with braided at the same time as the unions don't look like they'll survive.

Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all

[andyluffs]

I should've added, if it were possible without removing the subframe i'd replace the whole lot in one go for peace of mind and long life.

[wozzza]

Think it was around £200 to get mine done by a local independent.

No need for a specialist to do the job for you.

[andyluffs]

was it a subframe off job?

[wozzza]

I don't think mine was a subframe off job. It did take them a couple days though.

[speed4u]

Can be done with the rear subframe in place just use the old pipe as a template to bend the new one.

[Tomaahawk]

Ran new lines on my car while it was laid up for winter.

Used cupronickel pipe which is easy to work with, can be done with the subframe left in place. You do need to drill a few rivets out to release some of the pipe securing brackets. I replaced the rivets with rivnuts and bolts.

Take care removing the brake line cover, as mine was quite fragile.

Also check the condition of the steel fuel lines while you are at it, the return to the evap box on mine was abit rough. Fortunately it cleaned up and has now been treated.

[dan mugglestone]

same as above really . its not a subframe off job but does help if you can do a join to something good. i dropped a few bolts off the diff bracket and got a brake line through that way .
and yes check fuel line while your at it

[andyluffs]

Thanks for all the replies.
Is there a way to avoid having to take it to the main dealer to have the brakes bled after replacing everything?

[selym]

wozzza said:

Think it was around £200 to get mine done by a local independent.

No need for a specialist to do the job for you.

Was this a full run? I was quoted £150 for a splice in where the bad bit is - which I've not seen yet.

[machine2004]

I recently did mine using stainless steel lines. Didn't drop the rear cradle, however it took some finagling.

https://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=842...

[andyluffs]

Thanks all for the help.

Right so, the story so far, the CV8 was my brother's car who asked me to sell it for him. Turns out all the brake pipes were shagged.
So I have ended up buying it from him as I couldn't resist.

So it's my intention to replace all the hard lines with copper/nickel and while i'm under there give the rear subframe a good wire brushing/coat of paint. (The rest of the underside seems fine).

I've got a complete set of NOS pads and discs ready to go on and will probably fit new seals etc to the callipers. As undoing all the flexies will almost definitely trash the unions I'm after a set of braided lines.

I understand it's a 6 line kit I need but after searching about a bit through old threads it seems the HEL kit doesn't have the brackets required. I couldn't find a Harrop one or the Russell one. Can anyone point me towards a set?

The car btw is an '04 (I assume as its single tailpipe) '05 plate CV8 5.7 coupe.

I'm also open to suggestions for calliper/disc/exhaust/header upgrades if anyone knows the whereabouts of used ones!

Thanks all. The slippery slope towards an empty bank account is greased and ready!

[dan mugglestone]

I brought the HEL kit although had a garage fit the front ones and he found a bracket in a box of bits . Think if youve got a bit of metal to bend in an L shape bit of trimming youll be able to make one up.

[andyluffs]

Ideal, cheers for that 👍

[bigwheel]

AAS of Newcastle supplied Russell braided brake lines for my '05 CV8. No scrounging for front brackets.
They can supply lots of Monaro and VXR8 stuff.

[andyluffs]

Got some on order, thanks for the steer, just need to wait for a break in the rain to get it all rebuilt now!