After all these years of using cheap-o-crud type flare tools and only getting so-so flares on the end of tubes, I decided to splurge and get something to make it right for a change. (being on sale helped!)

The cost was somewhat justified by needing to replace all the brake lines on my 98 Taurus, and I want to replace all the plastic air lines ( there are quite a few.) on the Ex with metal.

25 foot Cupro-nickel coils in 3/16, 1/4, and 3/8 were also purchased to do the work

Professional Brake Tubing Flaring Tool - Brake Flaring Tool - Brake Tube Flaring

Eastwood Brake Line Forming Tool Pliers - Brake Line Bender - Brake Tubing Forming Pliers

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-900156/overview/


When I can finally get around to doing the Taurus, which will hopefully be next week, I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

I like that flare kit. New tools are always nice!

 

Here's an update.

I just finished making and installing the new brake lines for the 1998 Ford Taurus. Many bends, used 12 feet of line for the 2 side lines and about 6 feet for the rear line. With unions, a total of 12 flares.

The Taurus uses 3/16 DIN bubble flares, and the unions were SAE Double Flares. The machine did them flawlessly, first time. I finally have something that lets me worry about the brake line and not if the flares will be good.

I made several flares on scrap, and it did 1/4" in steel and Cupro Nickle perfectly in double and Din Bubble. The machine also does SAE bubble flare. I did have some 3/16 stainless, and again, it did it just as well, but it took a little more effort with the lever.

I have found that there is a kit that will allow you to make 45 degree AN flares with this thing too. Like everything AN, it ain't cheap.

All in all, a really good purchase that I think will be the best and last flare tool I will ever own.

The Bender is great. I did some 1/4 steel along with using it for the 3/16 Taurus line, and it worked very well. Best hand bender I have ever had.

 

Pics of the old line and new line side by side by chance?

 

Not the greatest picture, but because of the length of the things and it being the only picture I have, well.... (Found that the kid took a snapshot with her Ipad. Go figure.)


The set at the bottom is the originals, The ones with the plastic parts on them are the new ones ready to install. Each set is two long lines that lay side by side and run together between the master cylinder and the proportioning valve above the rear axle location.

Total cost of pre-bent Taurus brake lines from Ford is over $250. I paid less for the tools and the spools of brake lines and more can be made whenever for other projects dirt cheap. Took a total of about 3 .5 hours to make just the lines, not including removal/install/bleed time. Nuts and fittings were re-used. Metric DIN type ends. Total cost of just the brake lines and install (no tooling) was around $37.

I did not get a pic of the rear brake line that goes between the wheels. They all went in without too much fuss.

 

Forget what I said about $250. I just looked up the part number for the long lines in the picture above. Tousley Ford has it for $307. Ouch.



Ford Parts - AutoNation Ford White Bear Lake Parts (previously Tousley Ford Parts)

 

Great reminder to check brake lines for rusty spots!