Capping rear brake circuits at ABS block

[00R/T]

I’m not familiar enough with how everything is plumbed with the ABS pump, distribution block, master cyclinder, etc. but I’m wondering if it would be possible to temporarily cap the rear circuits at the front of the car and use only the front brakes.

Here’s my issue - I was pulling down my driveway and the brake pedal went to the floor. There was a trail of fluid under the back part of the car so I know a line let loose back there. It looks like there was also a puddle under where the ABS block is, so I may have an additional issue. My hood latch is stuck and I haven’t felt like dealing with it so I haven’t taken a closer look at what’s going on in that corner. Now, assuming it is only a leak somewhere in one of the rear circuits, is the car going to hold pressure on the fronts if I can cap those lines? I’m thinking the answer is yes, but I’m not positive. I’m not going to have time to fix the lines before winter, and I’d really like to get the car in the garage. It’s going to be really tricky to maneuver it while pushing. So, if I can get some brake action at low speed and drive it in, that will be super helpful.

[LUNAT1C]

I can't answer that question specifically, but how is the parking brake? I would make use of that (with SLOW maneuvering, idle speed as much as possible, neutral with each need to slow down) to slide the car into the garage, then deal with the lines when I can.

[00R/T]

I can't answer that question specifically, but how is the parking brake? I would make use of that (with SLOW maneuvering, idle speed as much as possible, neutral with each need to slow down) to slide the car into the garage, then deal with the lines when I can.

It works. That’s how I got it out of the middle of the driveway. The concern I have with it is the awkwardness of setting and releasing it while trying to maneuver and the difficulty in applying it gradually. I’ve actually driven a car home before with a lever style, but the pedal is a whole different story.

If it comes to that, I’ll probably try to get it lined up with my garage as best as I can and then try to push it going through the actual door. I just wish that wasn’t the side of my driveway with a retaining wall!

[Sneke_Eyez]

I believe in theory you could do it, but it is a bear to get access to the block to do it.
It is easiest to have good access with the front bumper off.

[cin993]

I also had a leak, actually it was a minor weeping, in one rear brake line couple years ago, right along the drivers side gas tank. In a pinch you can simply put in small patch of brake line, cut out the old line and flare in a new section, its pretty easy and cheap, maybe couple hours time

But i decided to replace all my brake lines with nickel copper. I think it was a good call. There were a few other areas where the lines were rusty, but not weeping yet, And at the ABS junction block a few lines were very rusty. Now it's all new

[ggariepy]

I replaced the lines in my now-departed 300M with Ni-Cu. It wasn't fun, but it was probably easier than using steel. That repair exposed me to enough of the underside of the car to come to the conclusion it was too far gone with rust to invest any more time and money into repairing, so I dumped it shortly after I finished the job and got a nice, clean Intrepid ES instead for my son.