Posted by Keith in Washington on Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 11:10AM :
In Reply to: Brake line repair 101 posted by Tug Boat Lonnie on Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 7:57PM :
Good Morning:
I just replaced all my brake lines in my ff PW. Only tools were a flaing tool with double flare dies and small pipe cutter. I also used various large sockets placed in a vice to make some of the sharper bends. A good flat surface to work on really helps.
I went to NAPA for all my tubing. I used regular steel lines. I saw no reason for SS. I bought some lines from Shucks/Kragen auto parts and found that none of them could be flaired. The OD of the line is smaller than standard and the flaring tool would not hold them in place for flaring. I did not have any problems with the lines from NAPA. I have a brand new Rigid flaring tool that was not cheap so it was not the tools fault.
I simply measured my lines and bought lines that were longer than each section to allow for bending. Some I broke into two sections due to length. I have no problems with that. I actually found some armored lines for running along the frame where there is some vibration. It took a couple of evenings to do the whole job. It is not difficult. Be sure to check each joint for leaks when you get fluid back in. Stand on the brake peddle for a few minutes then hand check each joint right after that.
Email me if you want more info.