Brake lines: DIY or shop

Discussion in 'The whoa and the sway.' started by 73Electra 225, Oct 23, 2007.

  1. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    That's the one you want in your tool box, unless you have this one next to your tool box :Brow:

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    Devon
     
  2. GoldBoattail455

    GoldBoattail455 462 -> TH400 -> Posi

    I did all the lines in the rear of my truck, my bender wasnt the best, just a matco piece. Only complaint is there isnt an easy way to know where to mark and bend the line and it could not do a 90*. Snap on has a really nice one but I dont need it anymore. How much was that kit Jason?:Do No:
     
  3. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    If you dont have a spare 50 grand for Devon's :laugh:, the Mastercool set will vost you about $300. You can find them on Ebay. The best bender is this one. Does 90s with ease.
     
  4. Electrajim

    Electrajim Just another Jim


    Now THATS spooky. Are there any stainless braided hoses that are DOT approved and safe for long term street car use?

    ElectraJim
     
  5. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    There may be, but I'm not aware of any. The glass or Kevlar braid in the rubber hoses does the long term job that stainless braid can't. Not to difficult to imagine the failure mode since we've all flexed a metal wire to the breaking point at one time or another.

    Devon
     
  6. Rivman

    Rivman Senior Ottawa Buick Guy

    Mild steel and double flares, without compression fittings - use the original lines as patterns, and replace all the flex hoses while your at it. Might as well replace the wheel cylinders too, and your brakes are probably good for a lifetime. Double flares require a little practice, but it doesn't take long to get the hang of it, with a 'quality' flaring kit. Stainless is nice if you can afford it, but mild steel will be OK on a collector vehicle that is only going to be driven in summer weather conditions. Silicone brake fluid (DOT 5) is another good investment to consider, especially when the car is stored for extended periods of time in the winter months !
    I'm a great believer in DIY - that way you get to know your vehicle, and you know it's done right. I was also very fortunate enough to have a nieghbour, who is a professional mechanic on standby, for advice, supervision and inspection of the finished job ! :TU:
     
  7. gstewart

    gstewart Well-Known Member

    i purchase new brake lines, prefabbed, from inline tube. i did not but stainless because i figured that if the originals lasted from oct. 1971 - nov. 2001, then the non-stainless would outlive me.
    here is one for u. i own a 98 regal gs. the brake lines failed on last dec. 24.
    took the car to the dealers- $1478 later for new brakelines fabbed by the mechanic plus had to replace a broken front stabilizer bar!!
     

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