W124 400E rear hard brake line failure

[moruzzi]

Search of the archive showes some info on hard lines but I figure I'll start this thread.

Car is a 1992 400E with ASR

Realized I had a slowly sinking brake pedal and took a look under the car and saw fluid on the right rear (passenger side). Closer inspection showes it is the hard line that is leaking. Ordered a new hard line - wow this one goes from front of car (connection is under car roughly at firewall) all the way to the rear. I figure if you were to bring this in they would charge a fortune as they would probably drop the rear suspension etc. I plan on routing the line in place - it should prove interesting.

First problem is the hard line to flex fitting is frozen (started to round the 11mm nut). Soaked with PB and left it for now. I figure worst case I get another flex line and "brake hose holder" the U section that is above the hanger and next to the 11mm nut (see the picture). Again, worst case if it rounds after a soak in PB I'll just cut the sucker. I did check and free up the fitting in the front as well as the lower flex at the caliper.

Any words of wisdom? I may try some heat (note - that this should not be done on brake lines in general but I am replacing the line already) I'll try again later in the week as I need to do brakes on another car on Monday so don't want the garage spot taken with a dead car.

I figure the real challenge is going to be routing the line with the suspension in place. Anyone ever done this?

I'll try to take some pics and post the procedure for posterity.