Lude Generation

Hi folks,

Having a bit of a nightmare getting the speed sensor out my BA2, so I'm having to do a bit of a workaround and disconnect the cable and ALB pipe work. The speedo cable wasn't a problem, but the 2 pipes for the ALB system carry brake fluid they're about 10mm outer diameter and they're rubber, what's the best way of sealing them whilst they're disconnected?? I don't want to damage the hoses as they'll be a ball ache to replace... Is it safe to just put some small clamps on the end of the pipes, or is there some kind of plug I could get?? Maybe a metal dowel inserted inside perhaps, but I don't know the internal diameter unfortunately.

drokking ALB

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255216

One of them? That's what I've always used on brake lines if I'm working on calipers

That looks like it could do the trick! I take it they lock on?

could you not screw a correctly sized bolt into the end? I normally just stick a screw or a bolt in pipes if its a short term fix.... Some long term fixes as well if i'm honest

It's a rubber hose though, won't it just slide back out??

its not brake fluid its steering fluid so why not loop them you will of course lose the speed sensitive steering

jjmartin349571 wrote:It's a rubber hose though, won't it just slide back out??

you choose a bolt that is just oversize to the rubber hose you need to block. you then use the thread on the bolt and screw it into the end of the hose. this will bung it up securely as you will have to unscrew it to take it out. obviously dont choose one too big or you will score the inside of the hose. works a treat.

I'd just put a bolt or screw in and then secure them with a cable tie around the pipe/screw

if you block them off your gonna put them under pressure one at least as the pump in the steering will be working against the blockage and as such will have an effect on the steering feel?

mercutio wrote:its not brake fluid its steering fluid so why not loop them you will of course lose the speed sensitive steering

Ah jobby, how could I have forgot about the speed sensitive steering the hoses were bundled with ALB lines and I assumed it was related to them.

Seeing as it's only power steering fluid I'll just drain it out, as I'm replacing the fluid anyway. My worry was getting air inside the (apparently) very temperamental system that is ALB, but seeing as I was being a div that's not a worry anymore

I might not have explained myself clearly btw, I'm disconnecting hoses in order to pull the engine, not to drive around with bits undone

Cheers for the suggestions though folks