17 replies to this topic

[J6collins]

Anyone know if there is a difference? My 77 mini should need imperial tools correct? Will SAE or metric tools work instead? Thanks

[Spider]

SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) is generally Imperial Sizes.

[Ethel]

Minis are mostly held together with UN threads, which need imperial sized tools.You do find other thread forms, like some brake hydraulic unions.

[J6collins]

I cannot get this brake line out! the wrench wants to strip the bolt. The bolt won't budge. Any help would be grest

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[Spider]

That particular one is 10 mm AF.

 

As Ethal has eluded to, while most threads and fittings on the Minis are Imperial, there are some Metric ones and some (not all!) of the Brake Line Fittings fall in to this category.

 

In regards to getting that Union undo, on advice from PBR a Brake component manufacturer, they recommend using Vice Grips. Better to mark it than round it off, BUT go easy since they are hollow, it's also easy to crush it.

[slidehammer]

Use a proper brake spanner or flare nut spanner as they grip the nut better. Soak some penetrating fluid on it and where the pipe goes into the union as that is where they usually grip up and then try gentle tightening it to break the nuts grip and then rock it backwards and forwards to try and loosen it. They do usually come free the other thing you can do before the nut gets rounded is cut the pipe and put a socket on the nut as that grips on all sides. This will mean you will have to replace that run of pipe. Good luck

[tiger99]

In cases where things may have changed since 1959, it doesn't hurt to have both metric and A/F spanners handy and use the one that fits properly each time. Better that than skinned knuckles or severely impaired bolt heads that are going to take ages to remove.

[J6collins]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm letting some wd sit over night, maybe that will losen it up. 7/16 fits best 10mm does not fit at all. Maybe better luck in the morning

[jakejakejake1]

7/16 is just over 11mm (11.11mm), so an 11mm might fit slightly better if you can get it on. 

 

It's worth investing in a set of calipers so you can measure things like nuts, helps to get the tightest spanner on possible especially if the nut is stuck.

[nicklouse]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm letting some wd sit over night, maybe that will losen it up. 7/16 fits best 10mm does not fit at all. Maybe better luck in the morning

WD40 is not a penetrating fluid. If you were in the UK I would say PlusGas. Not found comparable in Germany yet.

Which bolt/nut are you having issues with?

[Dusky]

Good brake line spanners are a gift from God. :)

[gazza82]

WD in WD40 stands for water dispersant. Nuff said ...

Plenty of proper penetrating fluids around.

I wonder what the WD40 branded version actually contains? Or their silicon spray?

[J6collins]

Ok finally got it out after hearing it with a torch. Finished my brake job but still a little squishy, I'll finish the job tomorrow. Took the car for the first test drive ever! Love the car now but the clutch went out half way through the test drive..... anyone know what would cause this?

[J6collins]

What I mean by it went out is that there is no pressure at all. I left with no issues while I was driving the clutch just went out

[Alice Dooper]

Ok finally got it out after hearing it with a torch. Finished my brake job but still a little squishy, I'll finish the job tomorrow. Took the car for the first test drive ever! Love the car now but the clutch went out half way through the test drive..... anyone know what would cause this?

WOW a torch on a brake fitting!! Your braver than me. Hydraulic fluid, even vapours are the most flammable thing in a car. Glad it worked out. Echo the calipers. I bought a wee digital set at £9, easy read and converts imperial / metric at touch of a button. Well worth it.