If you have ever removed a Zed brake caliper for replacement or painting etc, I have always got annoyed by the brake fluid that can seep from the lines and caliper, recently I sent off a set of Brembo calipers to have

painted by Brake Caliper Specialists in Nottingham so had this issue again.

 

So rather than leaving the brake pedal half pressed with a weight or cling film in the brake fluid cap to create a vacuum I have worked out a better solution that avoids brake fluid dripping and creating a mess.

 

1) To stop the brake calipers from leaking fluid once you remove them buy four of these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M10-x-1-0p-x-20mm-FINE-PITCH-HEX-SET-BOLTS-FULL-THREAD-8-8-ZINC-YELLOW/323362605065?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=512423904895&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

2) To stop the brake lines leaking from the vehicle side buy four of these: (might not work 100% if you are using OEM brake hoses which have a short metal end section, but work perfect on HEL / Goodridge lines)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M10-x-1-0mm-Fine-Pitch-Dome-Nuts-303-Stainless-Steel-Nut/291978731745?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=590974974521&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

Also if you have a vehicle that has the "round" banjo bolt style brake hoses then I found a great idea is to have a flanged M10 nut and bolt through the hose end with M10 copper crush washers either side, in this case you will need:

 

1) Flanged M10 bolts

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M5-M6-M8-M10-Hexagon-Flanged-Bolts-A2-Stainless-Steel-Hex-Flange-Bolt-Screws/253696313390?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=552950967742&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

2) Flanged M10 nuts

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M4-M5-M6-M8-M10-M12-A2-STAINLESS-STEEL-NON-SERRATED-FLANGED-NUTS-HEX-FLANGE-NUT/232618714207?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=532046421935&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

3) Copper crush washers

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15x-HEL-Motorcycle-Bike-Car-Brake-Line-Banjo-Bolt-Copper-Crush-Washers-M10/162242404919?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

Will prove very handy!

I would’ve said these were essential when removing the calipers for any length of time. My Z has been parked in the garage with no calipers installed (for too long now!) and I wouldn’t have even considered not blanking the lines and the caliper ports.

I would’ve said these were essential when removing the calipers for any length of time. My Z has been parked in the garage with no calipers installed (for too long now!) and I wouldn’t have even considered not blanking the lines and the caliper ports.

You're spot on, as I mentioned some people advise the cling film way, some people say press the pedal half way but this way is more secure, the nuts and bolts that I linked on ebay are very good quality, especially the dome nuts which have a nice deep hat for the lines to fit into nicely. A few years ago I did some Zed calipers and I used old / scrap brake lines with a self tapper on the caliper side, worked ok, but obviously an M10 1.0mm fine pitch bolt is better!