Busted brake line
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Busted brake line
On my '97 F250 the rear brake line going to the rear right wheel has a rusted hole. It measures 50" total. Instead of bending a new metal line. I see they have a "poly armor" line that can be bent by hand( no tools needed). Have anyone use this. I see Autozone has them.
Thanks
Thanks
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 12
From: Tulare, CA
Not sure ifit's the same stuff or not but I bought a length of brake line from Auto Zone - it had a black coating on it but seemed like regular brake line to me. I used my tubing bender to get the bends in it I needed. Auto zone also will loan you a tubing bender for FREE. You have to buy it ought right but they reimburse you 100% when you bring the tool back.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 4
From: Rogersville, TN
A cheap tubing bender is only a couple of dollars. I think mine was about $5 at advance. I haven't seen the stuff you are talking about though. Let us know how it works if you decide to use it.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,069
Likes: 17
From: Melbourne, Ky
I've never seen a brake line that can't be bent by hand that goes on cars or pickup trucks. I've never changed a brake line without having to bend it a little to get it to lineup. My method is using a box wrench as a pry tool to bend them.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,745
Likes: 72
From: West Virginia
Raccoons, dogs, pedestrians... 
I'm just saying that, while the easily flexible lines may be perfectly serviceable, to my mind they can't be as strong as lines that require a tool to bend, so given a choice, I'd go with the old skool stuff.
I'll also admit to a bias against anything that smacks of "universal fit" characteristics. They never seem to fit my application quite right.
I'm just saying that, while the easily flexible lines may be perfectly serviceable, to my mind they can't be as strong as lines that require a tool to bend, so given a choice, I'd go with the old skool stuff.
I'll also admit to a bias against anything that smacks of "universal fit" characteristics. They never seem to fit my application quite right.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 23
I buy brake line by the roll and have my own bender and flare kit. This makes replacing a brake line cheap and easy.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
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From: Blue Hill Township
Raccoons, dogs, pedestrians...
I'm just saying that, while the easily flexible lines may be perfectly serviceable, to my mind they can't be as strong as lines that require a tool to bend, so given a choice, I'd go with the old skool stuff.
I'll also admit to a bias against anything that smacks of "universal fit" characteristics. They never seem to fit my application quite right.
I'm just saying that, while the easily flexible lines may be perfectly serviceable, to my mind they can't be as strong as lines that require a tool to bend, so given a choice, I'd go with the old skool stuff.
I'll also admit to a bias against anything that smacks of "universal fit" characteristics. They never seem to fit my application quite right.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,745
Likes: 72
From: West Virginia
Never said it was structural.
I said that it seems to me that the new stuff might be less durable. This would constitute an opportunity for somebody that has worked with the new stuff to give their opinion on the durability of it as compared to the more rigid tubing we all know and love.
I said that it seems to me that the new stuff might be less durable. This would constitute an opportunity for somebody that has worked with the new stuff to give their opinion on the durability of it as compared to the more rigid tubing we all know and love.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 412
From: Washington Coast
Brakes are a safety device and personally I use original design. The exception is I do use upgraded braided steel hoses over stock rubber hose. I've hD brKes fail due to a line blow out and it gets hairy fast.
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
From: Warwick, RI
I also haven't heard of the kind of lines that you're talking about, but I HAVE encountered brake failure...on TWO trucks (1997 and 2004 F250s) within two weeks of each other...FOR THE SAME REASON: corroded line running across the rear axle between the two rear wheels.
Moral of the story: If you live in the rust belt, consider SS lines or periodically (say every 3-5 yrs) evaluate/replace the rusted junk that's supposed to be protecting your life and the lives of those who ride with you!
Moral of the story: If you live in the rust belt, consider SS lines or periodically (say every 3-5 yrs) evaluate/replace the rusted junk that's supposed to be protecting your life and the lives of those who ride with you!
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Hammond
Looked up the product online and the only thing that seems different from the standard line is that instead of electroplated, it has a synthetic coating.
Personally, I would go all eurotrash and use copper nickle alloy (cupronickel) brake line that is easier to bend and flare (particularly ISO bubble flares). Volvo, Mercedes and BMW have been using it for years and I used it on our last two race cars because (shocker) all the steel line have leaks from corrosion on 20+ year old cars from the rust belt.
Personally, I would go all eurotrash and use copper nickle alloy (cupronickel) brake line that is easier to bend and flare (particularly ISO bubble flares). Volvo, Mercedes and BMW have been using it for years and I used it on our last two race cars because (shocker) all the steel line have leaks from corrosion on 20+ year old cars from the rust belt.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
I use standard replacement brake lines.. and have for 45 years...
except for HARD/Sharp bends.. I use my hands to bend the steel lines.
and Yes, the dark colored lines is a rust prevention item.. same steel line.
and been around for 10 plus years.
and I have replace hundreds of brake lines. Now retired.. thankfully
except for HARD/Sharp bends.. I use my hands to bend the steel lines.
and Yes, the dark colored lines is a rust prevention item.. same steel line.
and been around for 10 plus years.
and I have replace hundreds of brake lines. Now retired.. thankfully