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I have a 1977 ford f150 and my rear brake line (that runs along the axle on the left side) broke, as cheap as i am i go get a used brake line and go to screw that side in. The threads kept on slipping out as i screwed them in and I looked at the end of the line and it was stripped. What size are the threads on the end so i can run a tap through the brake cylinder?
Buying a new brake cyl is prolly cheaper than buying a bottoming tap.
Edit* Do not cut corners on your brakes, a tap is a bad idea to begin with, fix it right, or park it.
You can't hardly tap that cylinder without screwing up the seat for the line itself...
... and even if you did ...
... if there was something left to make threads from, you'ld have weak threads at best ...
... and a line that may pop off at any brake application ...
... and besides all that ...
... it only takes one small microscopic metal chip (you'll have a few after any tapping) to start a perfectly good cylinder to leaking brake fluid.
Buy new brake line and wheel cylinders and do it right.
You won't be able to run a tap through the wheel cylinder. The port is threaded for an inverted flare fitting and has a brass seat that is in the center. It sticks up in the port and you won't be able to bottom the tap.
I agree 100% with xkpsanit, do not go cheap on your brakes, wheel cylinders are not that expensive, wrecks are.
Agree with the posts above. Just go get a new wheel cylinder. You can get pre-flared brake lines at most parts stores in various lengths and bend as needed. While you're in there, it might not be bad to see if they need replaced as a pair, and the springs gone through (which might get destroyed anyway if you have to remove them to get at the cylinder).
anyone know exactly what size fittings I need for front brakes on 1977 F150? I plan to buy the brake line and bend it myself but Im guessing I need fittings for both sides of the new line...Im guessing its either 3/16" or 1/4", any advice?
Any help is greatly appreciated, need to get the ole truck back on the road.
The hard lines are 3/16" and the fittings are 3/16" inverted flare. Some Ford fittings on the proportioning valve are not standard size. You can either reuse the old fittings or get new ones.