Is there a way to remove them without losing fluid?

i know a guy that used to put something soft around the liine and barely pinch the line with some vise grips and it worked well but im kind of weary about that. looking for any input! thanks

 

also i plan on changing the fluid soon to dot 4, should i just go ahead and let it drain out then put the new fluid in and bleed them?

 

Are you removing them to replace rotors etc.? If so, you don't need to disconnect the brake lines. Unbolt the caliper and hang it with a bungy so there isn't any tension on the line.

If you absolutely need to remove the caliper you are going to lose fluid and ultimately need to bleed your brakes. Brake fluid isn't expensive I wouldn't be worried as long as I was keeping the line up to minimize fluid loss.

 

I wouldn't let it "Drain out" as you don't want the master cylinder to go dry. Just minimize the amount of fluid lost and replace with whatever fluid you planned on using.

 

im taking them off to paint my calipers, so the calipers will be off for a while so what i could do so it wont drain completely??

thanks

 

there are tools that are similar to vice grips made specifically for holding onto brake lines to minimize fluid loss

 

You can pinch the line, but it's not recommended since you can damage the brake line. A rubber brake line is made kinda like a tire sidewall...it has a fiber belt running through it to strengthen the rubber. If you pinch, you can break that belt...then you will see a balloon like blister pop up at some point indicating you are dangerously close to losing all your brake pressure in the middle of a braking maneuver.

 

I got the answer Take a tire valve and shove it into the banjo hole. end of leaking

 

like a rubber valve? have you actually done that?

 

I would just open it then bleed them. If you already intend on switching fluid, nows the perfect time!