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  •  » Brake line plumbing

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    3/13/2014 7:15 PM  #1

    True74yamaha
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    From: Salt Lake City
    Registered: 5/07/2013
    Posts: 2,537

    Brake line plumbing

    I'm going to be plumbing in my brake lines for my 65 coupe. I'm wondering how much
    3/16" brake line should I get? I was thinking just to get the 20ft roll from summit racing plus I know I'll need a flaring tool and a bender any suggestions on those?

     

    3/13/2014 7:41 PM  #2

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,374

    Re: Brake line plumbing

    I prefer to use straight sticks from OReillys.  Ever try to make a bent tube straight?  It is alot easier to add the bends you need rather than try to take some out before you even begin.

    Plus you get alot of fittings and some pre-made flairs in the deal.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    3/13/2014 7:48 PM  #3

    DC
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    From: Marshall, MI
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Brake line plumbing

    I use MS's method because I bought a roll ONCE!

     

    3/13/2014 7:58 PM  #4

    True74yamaha
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    From: Salt Lake City
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    Re: Brake line plumbing

    That makes sense. I just always use a metal coat hanger went straightening copper pipe atleast when I fix a swamp cooler. I'll have to try the straight sticks of it though. Has anyone here done braided the whole way I was thinking about it, but then thought to myself would it be worth it

    Last edited by True74yamaha (3/13/2014 8:19 PM)

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    3/13/2014 8:09 PM  #5

    Bambam
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    From: Archdale, NC
    Registered: 6/05/2013
    Posts: 14

    Re: Brake line plumbing

    Don't use braided for the entire system. Braided is used only for the flex lines to the wheels. Also use as short of braided line as possible because the braided does flex and expand under the hydraulic pressure. Hard line will not expand.
    Also as Steve said, use the straight sticks from the parts store.

     

    3/13/2014 8:09 PM  #6

    GPatrick
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    Re: Brake line plumbing

    Braided expands under pressure - this is OK for the short flexible runs to the calipers but if you ran an entire system it would be spongy at best.  Plain old auto store steel works well for years.

     

    3/13/2014 8:18 PM  #7

    True74yamaha
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    From: Salt Lake City
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    Re: Brake line plumbing

    That makes sense. I found out by this old plumber guy I work with said that are local hydraulic and hose shop sells 10ft sticks of brake line plus all my fittings should make things nice plus they'll be able to make some nice custom braided lines for me for the front and rear calipers.

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    3/13/2014 8:22 PM  #8

    True74yamaha
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    From: Salt Lake City
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    Re: Brake line plumbing

    What are some tools you guys prefer to use on bending the lines. I was gonna try the old coat hanger and coke bottle methods, as well as a brass craft bender that you can buy from the homedepot. But I'd like to get some suggestions

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    3/13/2014 8:42 PM  #9

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Brake line plumbing

    True74yamaha wrote:

    What are some tools you guys prefer to use on bending the lines. I was gonna try the old coat hanger and coke bottle methods, as well as a brass craft bender that you can buy from the homedepot. But I'd like to get some suggestions

     Various sockets are a staple for a lot of bends.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    3/13/2014 9:16 PM  #10

    True74yamaha
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    From: Salt Lake City
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    Re: Brake line plumbing

    Any suggestions on a double flare tool

    Last edited by True74yamaha (3/13/2014 10:11 PM)

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    3/14/2014 7:51 AM  #11

    Kristang
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    From: Minneapolis, Mn
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Brake line plumbing

    Straight sticks are inexpensive and as others have said, you don't have to straighten them!  I have the eastwood flaring tool, it's awesome but it is $$.  Take your time, you'll be surprised how much bending you can do with your hands, but if you want crisp clean 90's, definitely use a bender!

     

    3/14/2014 8:18 AM  #12

    GPatrick
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    Re: Brake line plumbing

    Autozone and others have flaring tools to "rent".  Essentially you buy them with your deposit but get it back when you return it.  I used one on a previous project and it worked well.  Follow directions on chamfering the ends before flaring and flush everything before installing.  I learned through some of Steve's posts not to crank down on the second step of the flare - leave the final compression to the installation.  Measure twice and cut once, and remember to install the nut before you flare.  I used a very inexpensive bending tool for almost all of my work - similar to this link - http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/301016600530   Find a mini tubing cutter as this will provide a starting point much better than a hack saw with a lot fewer shavings to get into your lines.  Flush everyting before installing.

     

    3/14/2014 9:31 AM  #13

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,374

    Re: Brake line plumbing

    If you use a tubing cutter, follow it up with a small drill bit to take off all the material that has been pushed into the ID of the tubing end.  Best thing I have found to get a square end is to clamp the tube in the tube vise with 1/32" sticking out and then file it flat with the edge of the tube vise.  That always results in a perfectly square end with full ID of the tube.  Then follow up with some 400 grit to snooth it out after you file it.  Blow out the stuff in the tube, blowing from the opposite end, and then flare it.  The first part of the flare gets tightened really tight, then the second part where the cone is applied should only be tightened slightly and let the tube nut do the final forming when you tighten it into the female fitting.  Most leaks are created when the cone forming is tightened too tight and it then does not leave any soft  metal to create a seal.
    FedHill web site has some good flaring info.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    3/14/2014 9:44 AM  #14

    True74yamaha
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    From: Salt Lake City
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    Re: Brake line plumbing

    Awesome guys thanks for the replies to help me plumb my 65.

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