Anyone on the forum ever use NICOPP (Nickel Copper) brake lines when bending up and flaring their own hard brake lines? I notice this stuff is available from Advance Auto around here. A little on the expensive side, but the promise of easier bending and flaring along with claims of not corroding seem very appealing. Was just curious if anyone here had used the stuff.... Here's the manufacturer's link: http://www.agscompany.com/automotive/brake-fuel-transmission-lines/nicopp/11 As some of you might know, I suffered what I consider catastrophic failure (corrosion) of the hard brake lines on my 2000 Silverado pickup. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=209106 I did locate a source for pre-bent stainless lines at $300 plus shipping, but the more I look at the vehicle, the more I can't figure out how I'd ever get pre-bents into place.
I used it to make all new lines on my gs when i swapped to front discs and a new m/c a couple of months ago and it was really nice to work with, easily bent by hand, it was a little tricky to flare at first, just had to get used to how much softer it was. I'll use it whenver i have to make any lines from now on.
I have never used it, but from the link you provided, it sounds like it's well worth trying out. While it may cost more, the fact that it's 58% easier than steel to bend, would make for an easy job using your originals as a pattern. :TU:
Yeah, those two things sounded appealing to me. That and the fact that it's not supposed to corrode. I think I'll be buying a couple spools to work with.
Any reason why copper lines of the correct size could not be used? Its really easy to work with, Handles alot of pressure and I have a ton of it!
Googled your question and came up with the following: "Brake line pressures can and do exceed 1000 psi. On no account should copper, aluminum, or commercial fuel line be used, despite the fact that they are easily available and appear to be easy to work with. Pure copper tubing work-hardens and becomes very, very brittle- especially at flare fittings. Under the cyclical loadings seen from brake applications, and in the presence of moisture (and possibly high concentrations of chlorides, if you live in a road salt area), they will almost certainly fail. They will tend to crack and fail right at the flare, generally with little or no warning. (Copper also catalyzes the auto-oxidation of fuel, the mechanism of sludge formation. Copper should never be in contact with fuel.) "
Copper is too soft of a material to be used by itself. It would not be able to handle the extreme pressures of a braking system. Thats why this new stuff has nickel in the mix. Ease of flaring? Mild steel bends and flares pretty easily. You guys have problems working with it? The Nicopp stuff looks interesting.
I don't have trouble with 1/4" and larger, but 3/16" gives me fits (and I have a good flaring tool, Ridgid brand) Also mild steel would certainly suffer the same corrosion fate as my original lines. I agree , the Nicopp looks interesting (turns out it's not really "new" ......formerly known as Cunifer or Kunifer) and ordered a couple spools. We'll see how it works out. Volvo uses it, that's probably testament enough for me.
I used to have the same problem with 3/16 flares. They would seem to always come out lop sided. In other words, the flare wouldnt be centered on the tube. I got the Mastercool hydraulic flaring kit. Its a bit pricey, but it was the best money I ever spent. Its quick, easy and effortless. Makes a perfect flare every single time. Im very impressed with that tool.
After all my troubles with the hand tool this week I would have been glad to rent that thing from you!. Worst part of building a break system is to get the flairs correct.
