Rear brake line

[jjbunn]

Can I buy a rear LH brake line, complete with fittings, from somewhere (or someone here)?!

Mine is essentially kaput - one end has a slight kink in it, and the fitting is frozen to the tubing, and the other end is frozen in the brake cylinder, which I'm replacing.

Do I have to bite the bullet and buy a flaring kit, steel line, and the fittings? (I've been reading the knowledge base which is full of somewhat confusing advice about which kit to buy!)

Thanks,
Julian

[EuropaTC]

Hi Julian,

In an ideal world you'd buy the flaring kit, a few fittings, pipe and make up your own line which fits perfectly on your set up. Steel tubing was OEM but you can also use a copper based alloy called Kunifer (or Cunifer)  which is easier to work with and has the advantage of not corroding. It will take practice but you'll save time and money when other new lines are required, my kit has paid for itself several times over.

However that's not for everyone and here in the UK almost every garage has the equipment to make up brake lines so I'd expect the same over there. Normally you remove the old line and take it in as a pattern, they measure & make up a new line of the correct length/end fittings for you. 

If you either don't have or don't want to go the local garage route, then I would expect the major US suppliers would be able to sort you out with new lines, for example they are shown on RD Enterprises site - http://www.rdent.com/manuals/index.html  (I would get both sides, just in case    )

Brian

[jjbunn]

Thanks, Brian - I'm going to try one of the local garages up the street: he always has older British cars in, so he should be able to help.

[jjbunn]

Update: I took the old brake line up to the garage, but they were totally perplexed by the fittings (not a good sign).

On examining the flare ends, I decided I was perplexed, too! Both flares appear to be double flares (I was expecting bubble flares). Indeed, the replacement rear brake line hoses I received from Dent look like they expect double flare connectors. Weren't the Europa S2 originals bubble flares?

So then I looked at the two lines at the front of the car, that attach to the master cylinder. They look to be bubble flares, as expected.

Now, I have another problem: my MC is a Cardone replacement, with M10x1.25 openings for what I believe is a double flared pipe, or is it ISO?! This means that I will need to replace the flares on the MC ends of the front lines so that they fit in the Cardone.

I ordered the OTC 4503 double flare kit, and some steel 3/16" brake line. When it arrived I started to practice making flares. Much harder than I expected to get the flare centered on the bore. Any tips most welcome!

Could someone put me out of my flare confusion misery? Do I need to buy the OTC 4504 (bubble flare) kit too?

Thanks!
Julian

[jbcollier]

What kind of flare do you need?

That's easy, LOOK in the fitting and see what is required.  The good lord only knows if the original bits are there or not.

If it takes a bubble flare, it will look like this:

http://www.namgar.com/images/articles/TechSession-BrakeLineFittings_Fig_1.jpg

If it takes a double flare, it will look like this:

http://givemeshred.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/givemeshred-s13-z32-master-cylinder-with-flare-fitting-01.jpg

You can buy the fittings separately.  Order the fittings you need and build your own lines.

Cheap flare tools are OK for the occasional double flare but seldom make good single flares.  Your local British repair shop should have the tool to the job.

[jjbunn]

Thanks, JB.

The MC is a double flare fitting:



and I have the flare nuts for it, so all is good.

For the rear brake line, I'm pretty sure both ends are double flares too.

I had a better looking result when I took more care with the flaring tool (made sure the pipe end was smooth and flat, and used a little oil on the mould piece).

[jbcollier]

You can get individual fittings from places like Demon Tweaks:

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/copper-brake-pipe-fittings

Do yourself and your car a favour and use copper/nickel alloy brake line.  Doesn't rust and MUCH easier to work with.  DO NOT USE PURE COPPER TUBING !!

[BDA]

It should be easy to find a parts house in southern California that has the right kind of fittings. Most parts stores stock tube benders and some probably stock flaring tools. I used Earl's Supply for my car and I suspect there's a local dealer in your area. In addition, JEGS, Summit Racing, and  Moss Motors should have what you need. You can always rely on Amazon, too.

I second what jbcollier said about tubing.

[jjbunn]

I got new female fittings from Dave Bean and male fittings from the Ebay seller I ordered the 25' of steel brake line from. I have the flaring kit, a pipe cutting tool, and a pipe bending tool. I haven't found the line to be difficult to work with so far. I'm still waiting for the hub brake cylinder, which should arrive in a day or so. At that point I should be all set. (Famous Last Words.)

Thanks, guys.

[BDA]

Bending tube to fit can take some practice.

It sounds like you're well on your way! Good luck!!