Brake line Routing?

[canada karl]

Where does the brake line go once it leaves the junction at the back above the Diff? I can't see the line that goes to the front from underneath the car. Does it go into the rear seating floor area then along a rocker to the front? I might have to change the brake line but it looks like it could be a PITA!

[keehn]

Karl,

I don't have a definite answer for you, but the RealOEM diagram shows that the brake line runs in a straight line on the left of the vehicle (driver side). I suspect it may be hiding above the fuel tank if you don't see it. Eleanor is currently resting on her tires and not the floor jacks, otherwise I'd take a photo for you.

Here's the direct RealOEM link that shows the diagram in question: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=34_0135

Mike

[canada karl]

Thanks for the info.

[keehn]

Thanks for the info.

Karl,

Take a look at the following image. While it's just a "blueprint", it should give you somewhat of an idea of where everything is. If it's not helpful, then at least you have a high-resolution image of our E12s.



Source: https://drawingdatabase.com/wp-content/ ... es-E12.gif

Mike

[keehn]

The parent site where that "blueprint" came from:

https://drawingdatabase.com/bmw-5-series-e12-520i-1973/

Mike

[keehn]

Actually, THIS blueprint is what you'll want to see:



http://www.smcars.net/threads/bmw-520i-e12-1973.45444/

I'll host these blueprints on my own server if these links ever go dark.

Mike

[canada karl]

I can now see how it's routed. It appears that the brake line must go between two pieces of sheet metal for a bit before it comes out at the drivers side since you cant see that portion of the line from underneath. I'm going to get my jack stands a little higher and have a better look.

[keehn]

Hmmm...interesting. I wouldn't have guessed that BMW would have sandwiched the brake line between the frame and a concealing sheet metal. I would be interested to see a photo if you can get a good shot of it.

Mike

[canada karl]

You are right Mike. The brake line just runs along the bottom of the body. Difficult to see with the rear axle carrier blocking the view. Hopefully I wont have to replace that line. Depends on whether the line snaps when I undo the nut at the distribution block I'm replacing some very good brakes and struts from a good wrecked car to another car. Wonder if the brake lines are a "generic European metric line" that could be gotten locally rather than sending away to a BMW parts supplier

[maybeillbuyit]

I just replaced one of the hard lines going from the front caliber to the soft line, so about a 1 foot section. I just bought generic brake line with the correct fittings at a local auto parts place. Bumper to bumper. They had a great selection of sizes and lengths. And cheap as well. Worked great. only thing it was black and not the dark green like these e12s. It doesnt bother me but it may bug some. Good luck with that Karl

[canada karl]

Thanks for the info.