Brake pipe replacement advice

[C4 MRC]

I have a 997 GTS which has just passed its MOT but the brake test blew out, on examination under the tray, a brake pipe which also shows further signs of corrosion. This is a village garage that does general repairs I pointed out that one of the pipes (not sure if this is the one that is corroded) probably needs an engine out to fix. The mechanic trying to be helpful has suggested that I take advice on whether an option would be to bypass this pipe roughly under the tray along the line of the rear axle, this would also require a couple of joining blocks, even if this was possible is the system easy enough to bleed or does it require an electronic process? My instinct is to take the car to Cameron's outside Bath and just trust them to do the right things (which they do), but I would welcome some informed advice, please!

 

[apw911]

I'm no expert, so this is certainly not to be considered informed advice (but I do have a 997 GTS too)! I wouldn't at all consider the workaround suggested. For me, owning a 911, let alone a GTS, means there's only one way for mechanical repairs and that's the right way! Anything less will more than like come back to haunt you or affect the future resale value if prospective buyers spot it and begin to question overall maintenance standards...

 

[C4 MRC]

Thanks for your thoughts, and they do chime with my own, I guess as much as anything this is intended to understand why (if that is the case) there is no more practical (and safe) way to replace a brake pipe without taking out the engine! Had the mechanic, who had entirely the best of intentions, not mentioned it I would not even have considered what he has speculated. BTW the visual inspection for the MOT (3rd time same garage) was unable to reveal the corrosion but once the tray was removed the area around the pipe was packed with grit and dirt that had, over the years, allowed the damp to eat through the pipe. The car has a full-service record but perhaps periodic removal of the trays does not feature?

 

[apw911]

That's a good catch and I'll certainly ask my indy to remove the tray to inspect and clean the area when the next service is due. I've only had mine a year, so I've no idea if/when it may have last been checked. Thanks for sharing!