Flaring Brake Lines

glxstang · 10-27-2001, 10:18 PM

Anyone create there own custom brake lines. Is it easy to do if you have the right tools?
or can you really screw things up. Let me know how you guys do it.

Thanks

robertwigton · 10-28-2001, 06:37 AM

Bending brake line can be a real pain in the @!!. It takes a lot of practice.But if you want to do it ,you'll learn,just be prepared
to make the same line a few times till you get the hang of it.When ever you make brake line you have to double flar,which you need a
double flairing tool,its just a insert that you put in the line before you flair it.You'll also need a tubing bender,so you can bend the line with out crashing it.

Johns331 · 10-28-2001, 08:38 AM

As an added note, you cannot reflare the new style "bubble" or metric flares. These are found on SN95s and others.

Capri306 · 10-28-2001, 11:51 AM

I agree with the previous two posts, and I'll reiterate one point: make SURE you double-flare all connections. If you don't, you will find out why it's done only after you have to make an emergency stop and all of a sudden you have no pedal. Also, do NOT use 'compression' fittings. They're the ones with brass ferrules. I don't care how difficult it gets, do NOT use these. It is illegal AND dangerous. I'd rather you be a frustrated 'Stanger than a dead one.

Oh, the best brake line benders are the ones with the 'flip-over' handle. Ridgid makes an excellent one, and a double-flaring tool that's just as great. One other tip I can give you is when you measure, remember you're measuring straight distances on the car, but then you'll have a radius to consider when you're bending the lines. Know what I mean? I found the best way is to use a piece of nylon string (that doesn't stretch) and a permanent fine-tip marker. If the line gets bent out of shape, just get a new piece. You might have to throw away a couple pieces of line in the process, but is it worth sacrificing saftey and a clean job for only $5 a line? Good luck.

------------------
Capri306, Moderator, The Mustang Works Online

"PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!"

[This message has been edited by Capri306 (edited 10-28-2001).]

10-27-2001, 10:18 PM	#1
glxstang Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Delray Beach, Florida Posts: 97	Flaring Brake Lines Anyone create there own custom brake lines. Is it easy to do if you have the right tools? or can you really screw things up. Let me know how you guys do it. Thanks

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10-28-2001, 06:37 AM	#2
robertwigton Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: orlando,fl USA Posts: 44	Bending brake line can be a real pain in the @!!. It takes a lot of practice.But if you want to do it ,you'll learn,just be prepared to make the same line a few times till you get the hang of it.When ever you make brake line you have to double flar,which you need a double flairing tool,its just a insert that you put in the line before you flair it.You'll also need a tubing bender,so you can bend the line with out crashing it.

10-28-2001, 08:38 AM	#3
Johns331 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Rosamond, Ca Posts: 8	As an added note, you cannot reflare the new style "bubble" or metric flares. These are found on SN95s and others.

10-28-2001, 11:51 AM	#4
Capri306 Moderator Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Posts: 1,001	I agree with the previous two posts, and I'll reiterate one point: make SURE you double-flare all connections. If you don't, you will find out why it's done only after you have to make an emergency stop and all of a sudden you have no pedal. Also, do NOT use 'compression' fittings. They're the ones with brass ferrules. I don't care how difficult it gets, do NOT use these. It is illegal AND dangerous. I'd rather you be a frustrated 'Stanger than a dead one. Oh, the best brake line benders are the ones with the 'flip-over' handle. Ridgid makes an excellent one, and a double-flaring tool that's just as great. One other tip I can give you is when you measure, remember you're measuring straight distances on the car, but then you'll have a radius to consider when you're bending the lines. Know what I mean? I found the best way is to use a piece of nylon string (that doesn't stretch) and a permanent fine-tip marker. If the line gets bent out of shape, just get a new piece. You might have to throw away a couple pieces of line in the process, but is it worth sacrificing saftey and a clean job for only $5 a line? Good luck. ------------------ Capri306, Moderator, The Mustang Works Online *"PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!"* [This message has been edited by Capri306 (edited 10-28-2001).]