Brake line replacement for 1973 280SE 4.5

[goodguy2]

Is there a trick to replacing the brake lines? I tried once, but it seem there was a technique on turning the line with the attached fitting.

When I do a hard brake like panic braking, the brake light comes on. Normal braking is normal, no light.

[wbain5280]

You need a set of flare nut wrenches. They have a small opening so the brake line or hose can go through. Do not use open end wrenches on brake line nuts.

[Mike D]

Also check the floats in the reservoir. They're pretty notorious for springing a leak, partially filling with fluid and giving a false reading. Unless you are losing fluid or the brakes are actually "fading" then I'd bet on the floats.

Disconnect the electrical connection on the "tops" and see if the light problem quits.

I don't think your '73 has any type of pressure differential sensor in the system.

[sjefke]

Top your brake fluid up first and see whether light still comes on while panic braking. Before replacing brake lines, first check whether any of them actually leak. You should see brake fluid/oiliness if they leak.

Bert

[bwostosh]

or the flare nut connecting to the soft lines?

If the flare nut can't turn, (rusted in from the years of crud)
Big trouble,
they will twist off necessitating replacing the hard lines.
Bee there done that.