Front brake pipes - Access for replacement.

[Woogiebloke]

As part of the re-commission of the Excel ('90), brakes are being overhauled and all old (quick corrode) steel pipes and hoses replaced until...

Looking for any advice on access to T-piece / joint for front brake pipes.

It appears to have been placed to make like for like replacement of pipes nearly impossible, (with engine / steering in situ ) so wondering if anyone has successfully achieved this? (Would unbolting from Chassis - by feel - with pipe nuts attached allow enough movement for example?)

All / any comments Gratefully received.

Chris

[AndyC]

I've done a few cars, and not had any problem. Undo the pipe from both ends and it should get past the other items.

[Woogiebloke]

Hi - Thanks for the comment(s)

No problems making / inserting pipes. Getting on the pipe nuts in front "Tee piece" is a head scratch!
(Would insert a photo but is a "feel only" job - as for wielding a brake spanner! )

[AndyC]

In recent years I've found myself often shutting my eyes when working on cars (not just Lotus). I can only guess that it's my way of dealing with many such accessible but occluded jobs, and that way it stops my brain getting confused by knowing that I'm turning a spanner etc yet cannot see the parts moving.

[Woogiebloke]

Had the same recently - doing all the pipes under the car, including the one threaded along by the rack - no access to the end or T-piece from underneath or wheel wells. Couldn’t even see it from the engine bay until…
Remove the air box entirely and it suddenly becomes doable - if a bit of a stretch.

[MetBlue]

I changed the off side front run from the tee last year without major issues. IIRC, I loosened the tee from the body. Fiddly, but I've done worse. - just try doing the rears on an Elite with in board drums . They run above the diff!
Tony