Leaking rear brake hard lines, best temporary fix?

[funknut]

Hello -

I have a leak in my hard lines to the rear of the distribution block but I need to move my car a few miles (moving houses) in the next couple days.  I have new lines on order but won't be able to swap them out before I move the car.  I'm sure I can get the car there safely just on the front brakes, that's not the issue.  I have the wilwood tandem master cylinder which will keep the front reservoir about 1/2 full if the rear runs dry.  I am wondering what your opinions are on my options.  I'd like to avoid getting brake fluid everywhere.

-  plug the rear output port on the master cylinder and fill both reservoirs.  This keeps both reservoirs full, but I don't know what will happen if the rear output port is plugged.  Bad pedal feel?  poor braking if the rear port is blocked?
-  empty the rear reservoir and plug the output port.  This will leave the front reservoir 1/2 full and nothing in the rear one.
-  empty the rear reservoir and leave the output port open.
-  something else?

Thanks in advance,

Clay

[BDF]

I think any advice on how to drive your car without fixing bad brakes would be BAD advice!
A LOT can happen in "a few miles".
If anything did happen I'm sure you would wish that you had flatbed/ trailered your car.
Cheap enough insurance...
 

[birdsandbees]

Standard.. just drive it.

Automatic.. load it on a trailer.

[garner7555]

Hello -

I have a leak in my hard lines to the rear of the distribution block but I need to move my car a few miles (moving houses) in the next couple days.  I have new lines on order but won't be able to swap them out before I move the car.  I'm sure I can get the car there safely just on the front brakes, that's not the issue.  I have the wilwood tandem master cylinder which will keep the front reservoir about 1/2 full if the rear runs dry.  I am wondering what your opinions are on my options.  I'd like to avoid getting brake fluid everywhere.

-  plug the rear output port on the master cylinder and fill both reservoirs.  This keeps both reservoirs full, but I don't know what will happen if the rear output port is plugged.  Bad pedal feel?  poor braking if the rear port is blocked?
-  empty the rear reservoir and plug the output port.  This will leave the front reservoir 1/2 full and nothing in the rear one.
-  empty the rear reservoir and leave the output port open.
-  something else?

Thanks in advance,

Clay

Don't try option #1.  If you plug one port and fill with fluid, that port will prevent enough piston travel in the master cylinder for the other port to apply the front brakes.

Can you fill up the brakes and drive it as is?   This could potentially give you some braking power from all 4 corners if needed.   Just let it leak during the short trip, and wash it as soon as you arrive?  How bad of a leak is it?

[garner7555]

They also sell pre-made brake lines at parts stores in various lengths.  This would be the best option, buy some cheap new lines (even if you zip tie them under car due to improper shape) so that there are no leaks.     

[dual fours]

I don't know your location but,
Three AAA?
Classic Auto Insurance?
The above could all be a FREE flat bed, with a disable car on the street to be flat bedded to a location to be repaired.

[funknut]

Ok, thanks everyone.  I yield to the hive mind and will just have it towed. 

I'm reasonably sure I could limp it there just on the fronts, but with everything I have going on with the move, this will be one less thing to worry about.   

I appreciate everyone's input.

[Bob]

When it happened to me I crept along and used the parking brake to slow and stop while holding the release handle open the whole time. 

[Moparsaver]

I have had AAA flatbed mine more than once for a variety of reasons.  Never a problem. 

[John_Kunkel]

This is a really slick device for fixing flare leaks on hard lines.

http://www.jegs.com/p/KOUL-tools/Koul-Tools-SurSeat-Line-Lappers/3594104/10002/-1