Brake MOT Failure

[spasimodo]

During the MOT test my 172 phase 2 blew a brake pipe. Brake fluid pissing out under the car nearside front. Apparently the test gear senses the weight of the car and applies extra pressue during the brake tests. Having carefully limped the short distance home I find that the brake pipe has perished high up inside the wheel arch liner where it is supported by a plastic bracket it clips on to, so a new line is needed. I have a mechanic aquaintance who has the necessary kit, copper line and flaring tools etc, but the master cylinder looks very hard to get at, hidden beneath the fluid reservoir. So my question is, what's the best way to replace the line. Is the master cylinder accessible from below or what?
Thanks spaz.

 

[Louis]

You sure it's not blown to the abs unit and front caliper?

 

[Yarp]

As @Louis says it’s unlikely to be one to the MC.

Best pic I can find is below, but the lines come away from the MC behind all the heat shield and sound deadening stuff and into the ABS pump. They then go off to each wheel from there. If it’s leaking NSF then it’ll be that section. I can’t remember if there’s another joint where it goes into the arch or not now though.

 

[spasimodo]

You sure it's not blown to the abs unit and front caliper?

Thanks for the pic Yarp. Yes Louis - ABS to front caliper where it bends under the wheel arch liner to go down to the caliper and the plastic protective sheild ends.. There's a supporting plastic bracket it clips in to and it's on the bend there. Wondering if I can get a union in there or whether to join a length of copper from one of the available connections shown in the pic.

Also I'm having to replace the discs and pads, and on the offside I've discovered the coilover spring has broken. I seem to remember replacing the strut and spring quite a few years ago. Seen some instuctions that say you need a spring compressor but don't seem to remember needing one of those although I do have spring compressors. Not sure how I did it. Might just say F...k it and replace struts and springs both sides while the car is up with everything off.

 

[spasimodo]

So, does anyone know the spec/diameter/bore of the Clio brake pipes as I will need to buy some coppper. Someone's lent me a flaring kit but it seems to be all imperial not metric.

Ended up replacing shocks and springs both sides as well as discs and pads and then found rust under front wheel arch liners that needed immediate attention. Haven't even got to the brake pipe yet.

 

[spasimodo]

So there's a guy on Fleabay who makes up all sorts of brake pipes for various cars in copper with the correct unions, so problem solved.
Apparently shocks are not available because Renault has discontinued all things related to the 172 and 182. However Phase 1 front shocks are of sufficiently similar spec tobe a good alternative and there are still some to be had.

Considering the car is 23 years old and having looked underneath at what needs doing in detail I have decided on the following.
New rear brake calipers. I already have these but have been putting off fitting them because of the faff of bleeding etc. No excuse now.
New rear discs and pads, (fitted).
New front calipers. Present ones badly corroded pistons. A refurb kit is approaching a new aftermarket replacement so...
New braided stainless brake lines.
New front dampers.
New front springs.
New front pads.
New front discs.
Jeez I've spent some money on the car this month.

 

[Mr Underhill]

So there's a guy on Fleabay who makes up all sorts of brake pipes for various cars in copper with the correct unions, so problem solved.

Want to share the link?

It would be a useful resource for folks who don’t want the faff of making their own.