Here is the second installment of the 1998 Ford Contour Fixing it Forward project. In this video I repair the AC connector going to the compressor clutch. In addition I diagnose a bad blower motor. I also repair the rusted brake line that was leaking. I do NOT recommend the use of compression fittings on replacement brake lines. This is why I used a double union flare. It would have been nice if my Harbor Freight flare tool was able to do the job, but instead I got a good workout for my pecks with the Eastwood tool. I wish they made a more portable version of it.
Anyway, I hope this video provides some enlightenment as well as entertainment.
Previous Video in the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM8LA5Yygjk
Camera: Brian Kast
Thanks for watching!
If you’re not familiar with the Fixing it Forward series, here’s the introduction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfBnTwpEBu0
You can donate to Fixing it Forward here: gofundme.com/3a3s27dg
Discussion about this video: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/60412-1998-ford-contour-brake-line-ac-connector-repair#149376
Tools
Power Probe: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/power-probe-pp219ft-power-probe-ii-diagnostic-tool-kit#oid=1002_1
Tubing Cutter: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/performance-tool-w700c-mini-tubing-cutter#oid=1002_1
Eastwood Flare Tool: http://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html/?srccode=carguy&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=etcg
Eastwood Line Bending Tool: http://www.eastwood.com/ew-brake-forming-tool-pliers.html/?srccode=carguy&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=etcg
Mini Bolt Cutters: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/knipex-7101200-8-lever-action-bolt-cutter#oid=1002_1
Traxion Rolling Tool Chair: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/traxion-2-700-progear-mechanics-seat#oid=1002_1
Zep Penetrating Oil: http://www.zepautomotive.com/product/Super-Rust-Breaker
Brake Union Kit: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/k-tool-04029-brake-line-union-3-16-qty-5#oid=1002_1
Snap-on Line Wrenches: https://store.snapon.com/Double-End-mm-chrome-Set-Wrench-Metric-Flare-Nut-Double-End-6-Point-6-pcs-9-to-21-mm–P630591.aspx
Mac long wrenches: http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Wrenches/Double-Box-End-Wrench-Sets/SBHFM52PA/5-PC-Metric-High-Performance-Long-Double-Box-Wrench-Set-12-PT-
Related Videos
Jeff Schmidt’s 1998 Ford Contour No Start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM8LA5Yygjk
How To Bend and Flare Brake Lines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqyoTWFZ5K4&feature=youtu.be
KNIPEX Tool Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upT7q-NRenM
Eastwood Line Flaring Tool Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxeA1lhSCsk
Useful articles.
Engine overheat: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-do-when-your-engine-overheats
No start problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-no-start-problems
Idle issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-idle-problems
Performance issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues
Diagnosing Noises: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car
Diagnosing Vibrations: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/determining-the-causes-of-vehicle-vibrations
Electrical Problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problems
Brake Issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-brake-problems
Transmission issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-transmission-problems
HVAC problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-hvac-problems
Buying a Used Car: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-look-for-in-a-used-car-purchase
Leaks: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks
MPG: http://ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-the-causes-of-poor-mpg
Social Network Links
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Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
I see stuff like this a lot the car owner does all this work but half ass it and then take it to a shop to get it fixed unreal if he had just done the simple stuff put gas in put wal mart freon in he would have had it fixed
I just replaced the exact same section of brake line due to it leaking on my 98' Contour. This video helped me out a lot. It was a real PITA.
happens to me the nipple snap I use an easy out and got lucky.
Lookin like Ali G in the Thumbnail pic
at 32:19 you have a weelchair if you use i a lot then change the weels to this https://www.mall.cz/i/37133661/2000/2000 or something like this …no sound and a smooth ride 🙂
Ahhh yes, the "other flare tool" is garbage- or at least the one I used was.
Also used my dremel to cut the lines works well
I had to do both lines on my 98 Contour with the 2.0 l . same rust areas and breach, a real pain to do if you're onyour side trying to reach in. I used NICOP. And compression fittings. Been great since then
I live in an apartment complex surrounded by trees and other plants. Literally every morning I walk out to my car there are spider webs 🕸 on it, usually on/inside the wheels or under the side skirts or bumpers. Even just walking out my front door I get a face full of spiders 🕷 This is daily, just from sitting overnight. That’s Florida life for ya ðŸ’ÂÂâ€ÂÂ♂︠Can’t wait to have a garage…
WoW…talented work…would be great if you were located just a bit furthur east…would have come in for some work…I have the same exact car 44,000 miles…Not a great car…but gets me where I need to go…Recently found my trans gasket has a slow leak…Scary cause they have to drain the fluid to replace the gasket..which has a lot of pros & cons….Seems all cars have some kind of problems…especially today…Thanks for the great vids.
Eric, Buddy… put the brake pedal 50% to the floor and block it. No leakage beyond what is in the line. Also, Eastwood sells a hydraulic powered flaring tool you can use under the car. It is a copy of the mastercool unit.
I actually like that car tbh.
Eric
I have that Eastwood flaring tool and love it. Did you know that Eastwood has another flaring tool made to be used under the vehicle?
Also cool to see that you went to Rosedale Tech in Pittsburgh, I went to Vale-Tech in Blairsville and grew up in Belle Vernon, PA.
Hey man is that bleeder thing that broke still there? Lol
ya. they had that car parked in a swamp for sure. everything is rusted out underneathe.
When you sell a car it was running and driving great when you parked it.
A little trick put some map gas heat on the nipple and try it a little then hit it with some PB Blaster the try the nipple and it will go.
Hi Eric I know this video is years old but just a tip if you want to try it next time , the brake padel if you press it hard and get it to stay there by wedging something between pedal and seat , you can then undo any line under the car or all of then at each wheel and the fluid will not drain out , ., I always do this even it’s just one line then it’s just a quick bleeding on brakes after 🙂 thanks jamie
The 'other' flare tool definitely takes some practice to use and I've never successfully used one in situ like that. They do work on the bench but learning to use that tool cost a little bit in broken 3/16th dies that's for sure.
So helpful watching you do these repairs. I had the same thoughts and doubt when I worked on my Taurus and was alone. Thank you, my friend.
I noticed you were tightening the broken bleeder, instead of loosening it.
Man, you should change the name of the show to "Lemons to Lemonade".
that brake line flaring kit is cheating 😉
Better if reservoir was empty before…
Fluid Film Is awesome Eric that is what I use.
i have a 99 2.0 contour.. AC isnt workin. i can feel the relay clicking on and off.. compressor will not stay on… blower works fine also replaced the cabin air filter
Giant man terrorizes spider colony.
This is a great video btw
can you use heat to free bleeders?
I want that chair.
What is Brian's labor rate when you put him to work in the shop? LOL
This is awesome Eric. Love your fixing it forward videos. Better than anything on TV. Thank you for doing cool repair videos. ðŸ‘ÂÂ✌ï¸ÂÂ
That could be a song. Bump it Hold it Bump it Hold it Release lol
in help with brake lines do use a piece of wire to estimate the lenght
Have a question I have a 98 contour svt ac just gave out like completely no air blowing thru vents neither heat or ac changed control panel blower fuses don't know what else to check please help
waste of my time….Thanks.