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Old Sep 19, 2004 | 08:29 PM
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Question brake lines

Hi Started running new brake lines , the lines from the master cyclinder have about 3 loops in it before it goes to the preporationing valve, are these needed or did someone replace these lines and bought them to long and did not have the proper tools to shorten ther ??? Also the brakes were working fine before but the booster was 1/2 foll of brake fluid,I dumped it out, will it work ok for me now???


Have a great day
CRAIG
 
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Old Sep 19, 2004 | 08:35 PM
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yes the loops are there for a reason, they alow for movement between the cab and frame.

i would be a little leary of the booster, brakefluid may have dried the diaphram out enought to cause a crack if you use it.
 
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Old Sep 19, 2004 | 08:38 PM
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No you don't need those loops, I have seen many factory brake lines in all sorts of vehicles and they had loops, I don't know why for sure they are there but you can get along with out them

The fluid in your booster is coming from a leaking seal in the master cylinder, if you value your life you will replace it immeadiatly, never cut corners with brakes especially since a rebuilt MC is about $20
 
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Old Sep 19, 2004 | 08:39 PM
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As far as i know them loopdy loops are there for when the chassis tweaks and what not. I know its suppose to be like that. Some one else will chime in and explain in better detail than my lousy answer.
 
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Old Sep 20, 2004 | 12:09 PM
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Yes. Those loops are supposed to be there. It would be wise to put about three loops when making new ones. The body and the frame will flex seperately from each other and these loops allow the flex in that area. Otherwise I think your brake lines would pull right off their mounts. Also, if you put a body lift on a vehicle, you had better make sure all lines, wires and things will have that extra room to move that same amount you are lifting and then a little more. I wouldn't reccomend making brake lines without some coils.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 07:22 AM
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I can see leaving a loop or even some extra for movement but 3 loops? Heck if there is that much movement there are more serious issues. Ok when the movement occurs do the lines return to the coiled position or stay bent where they were stressed to? I think if there was that much movement the steel lines would eventually crimp or break due to constant flexing. I by all means do not know the correct answer but would like to or at least the reasoning behind it.

Glenn
 
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 07:58 AM
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I would say the reason for so many loops is to minimize flexing of the line. Remember, the more you flex the metal, the more likely it is to break off. If you have 3 coils to absorb the motion, it minimizes what the line itself flexes. Take a look at how much the truck twists when on unlevel ground. They can move a lot. There's also the vibration angle to consider as well.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 08:16 AM
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The more loops, the more area there is for the vibrations and flex to be absorbed by (gives room for more vertical play, kind of like a spring). I bet Ford ended up with three by saying "two's not enough, four's too many".

Plus the loops come in handy when you're changing the master cylinder and the connections are all rusted up. Just chop the old ones off, uncoil a loop, and you've got plenty of line to work with, no splicing required.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 08:38 AM
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I think about all the manufacturers use about 3 loops, can't say why, just know they do.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 09:08 AM
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This thread is getting a little old but I propose the loops are there only for cooling the brake fluid.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 09:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Phinxter
No you don't need those loops, I have seen many factory brake lines in all sorts of vehicles and they had loops, I don't know why for sure they are there but you can get along with out them
Now that I work with CNG vehicles and have to bent lines for them including vibration loops I will retract my above statement.
 
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