In the next couple of days I'm going to be bending some brake line for my rear axle. I'm going to be buying the preflared lines. Should I use plane or shielded (metal coil around tube) on my rear axle? What are some tips for bending brake line. I plan on renting the bending tool.

 

Make sure you get a tubing bender that is for 3/16" tubing, not a universal or multi-size bender. You may have some difficulty only using preflared lines if you have a specific distance between two connection points. You may have to do some creative extra bends to get it to work out. I mostly use the preflared down the frame but usually need to cut the one end to a connection to a certain length and then add the double flare. You can use a piece of welding rod or clothes hanger wire to make a pattern to copy. You kind of have to watch when making a bend that it ends up pointing the direction you planned. Also make sure to use enougn tubing clips to secure it well. Have never used the metal wound stuff so can't give an opinion on it. Have fun.

 

Nathan

read this
brake stuff for dummies

later
john

 

I wouldn't mess with the wire wound (spring wrapped) stuff. It seems that all the reinforcing wire does is provide a place for water and dirt to collect so the lines can rust out faster. I know it is supposed to provide additional protection against kinks and nicks from rocks and sticks, but IMHO it's not worth it if you route your lines carefully.

 

It looks like several of us are doing brakes LOL. I read John's article and as all the other articles, he gives excellent reference. I'm pretty good with the tubing bender but 56fun and earl have a good point. The preflared lines don't always work or fit properly, especially if you need to make bends, etc.. When you bend the line, the end will be shortened and may not fit. I usually end up cutting the one end and flaring it to fit. I always get a piece must longer than I need, that way if you mess up, you don't need a whole new piece. I have the regular flaring tool, I just need the double flaring tool for the brake lines. I'd stay away from the coiled lines also. I haven't seen brake line clips? Do they require drilling into the frame?

 

imlowr2-
maybe I should have said brake line clamps instead of clips. I used the SS ones and drilled and tapped holes in the frame. They also make rubber coated ones. Speedway, Kugel Komponents, and I'm sure many others, sell them.

 

I agree with the advise not to use the wire coil on the brake lines because of the dirt collecting and rust. But I advise you to buy one premade brake line with the wire coils, remove the coils and use them to help bend new brake lines. If you bend the new lines with the wire coils tightly bunched together, the coils will keep the line from kinking while bending by hand. This won't work on really sharp bends, but really helps on most. Just remember to remove the coils before flaring ;-) . ...Terry

 

Nathan,

can't stress enough... don't buy a bender made for plumbers or hanging on the pegboard at Autozone.... use one of the benders in my article that draws the tubing between two dies... no crimps, consistant bends and easy to use... just remember to put the fitting on BEFORE you bend or flare...

later..

john

 

Another thing about being able to flare the ends is that you can cut one end off, slip the proper flare nuts on, and not have to worry about leaking adapters.

 

DANG IT....i knew i forgot to get something in town today.....measured the frame all up for line the other day and totally spaced it...

we've just got one of thost little hand held pliers type ones with the changable mandrel like you had on ur website John, and its gotten us by through enough vehicles, and will do more......im satisfied, considerin it was a cheap one to begin with.....