Brake lines

[FIN-FEVER]

I have to replace the steel brake lines on my shorelander trailer.<br />I plan to buy a prefabed line. I figure if I have excess line you coil it as needed.<br />Question,can you shape these coils around a piece of pvc pipe or similar object or will it flatten the walls of the pipe? Or do I need to procure a tubing bender. Thanks

 

[jimchere]

Re: Brake lines

Tubing benders are the right tool and they are cheap. You can probably borrow one at Autozone or other auto parts store instead of buying. When it comes to brakes, no shortcuts for me. Even a slight flattening/crimping of the tube can cause you problems such as brakes that don't properly release then cause control problems or overheating/failed wheel bearings/tires...<br />Someone else may have a different opinion, but I'd use a bender if its line I want to use in brake systems.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Brake lines

Before I had a bender I would fill the line with sand and then wrap it around something as you described. It worked fine, just took a while to get all of the sand out.

 

[ISkiH2O]

Re: Brake lines

I would cut the tube to length. The fittings are usually cheap and easy to work with. Should result in cleaner routing and less likely to be damaged.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Brake lines

Sorry ISkiH2O, You can't do that. Well I guess you can but its a royal pain. Brake lines MUST be double flared. A steel line is VERY hard to double flare, they tend to split whenever you almost have it right. Another issue that should be addressed is the beding of the lines. It is advisable to put a loop before the fittings, this allows for flex in the line.