1984 300D Turbo: how to stop brake fluid from draning?
 

When removing brake calipers for rebuild, I am planning on putting golf Tees (used in golfing to tee up the ball) in the ends of the brake hoses to help stop brake fluid from draining.

Someone mentioned placing plastic (plastic wrap like used in the kitchen?) underneath the brake master cylinder reservoir cap to help stop brake fluid from draining? did I get that right?

all input/advice is appreciated!

use whatever.
even vacuum plugs will work in a pinch

You can also use the bleed valve caps.

If you are needing to be doing major brake work it is probably time to do a fluid change anyway... Just a thought. ;-)

I'm going to change the brake fluid out; in the mean time I need to remove the brake calipers and take them to be rebuilt. While the calipers are removed from the car, I want to stop the brake lines from dripping.


I'm thinking I need to place golf club Tees in the ends of the brake hoses as well as a piece of plastic under the brake fluid reservoir cap?

Not to mention the holy book says "Brake fluid must be renewed annually..."

I'm the one who mentioned plastic under the cap. That was a recommendation from an old Triumph Spitfire service manual. At the very least it can't hurt. Not sure you would want the master cylinder to run completely dry even if you change the fluid.

I am also going to install a new brake master cylinder when I install new brake fluid.

Vice grip them shut and then replace.

I have hose clamps; that said, I believe using the Golf Tees will produce the needed results. Vice grips or hose clamps may possibly damage rubber brake lines, I'd rather not take the risk, especially since I've installed new brake lines.....

There is a trick i use everytime i work with brakes involving opening up the hydraulics. If you push the pedal down just a little bit, like 1/4 way down and hold it there(Like put something between seat and pedal) you shut the openings in the mastercylinder and no brakefluid will come out. Works with clutch systems to. I always kinda cringe when i see people pinching the line which is unneccesery.

sounds like a great idea; I'll give it a go!