I hate getting old with back back and trying to use reading glasses working under my Volvos. Rats. But I continue with some tasks......, and I've done my 240 brakes for the past 30 years on all three 240's here.

Currently I'm slowly progressing through a full brake job on my '77 242. Did front calipers and flexible lines with FCP parts. I had to take a LOT of care with the hard lines because of age, but they all freed up and it worked..with lots of penetrant. Whew.

Not so good this morning beginning on rears. That danged hard line coming into the rear caliper presents poor visibility when laying on the floor under the car. In spite of a week of soaking the fitting and taking an hour of slowing working it's removal, it broke the hard line right at the caliper fitting.

So now I need to replace the hard line(s) going back along the axle to the flexible line connector. Original lines appear to be copper, but I seem to recall that, at least in American practice, copper is never used for brake lines.....only steel. When I remove the line, (may end up with same problem on the other side too), I suppose I can take it to a shop and have a duplicate made up, with some guess work on pre-bending them. (Kinking brake lines is always a potential and headache)

How do you guys deal with similar situations? I live in a remote area so Volvo parts sources are all mail order unless NAPA has something that occasionally works. Not sure I can even buy pre-made/formed Volvo rear hard lines.

I did buy the rear flexible lines so I guess I might as well go ahead and replace them now, even though those on the car still look very good. (Less flexing in the rear lines) Broken hard line has to be disconnected at the flex line point anyway.

Tips appreciated,
Dennis in rural E WA state.......