Hard brake line advice

[Smallfry]

Those hand-held flaring kits really aren’t up to flaring steel pipes in situ. I had no choice when I did the pipes on my L200 as they were totally inaccessible but I remember it being a pig of a job.

I have an old Blue Point set, which does them no problem. The only problem is being able to manipulate the things at arms length laying on your back.

Cheap (sub £50) sets are a waste of money.

Bake pipes are one of the very first things installed on a body shell at the factory.

I too am not happy unless they look factory fit.

 

[Melvyn Best]

If you take off the original brake pipes a couple of little tips which might help . Try to remove without bendingMeasure the length of the old pipe, cut the new one to length , flare one end then fit the pipe nuts before flaring the second end. You would not be the first to forget the nuts. When bending the new pipe to shape use a pair of pipeaid pliers . It’s possible to use small cable ties to secure the new pipe to the old , it makes shaping the new one easier. I have an old MIG liner that I keep in my toolbox , it’s perfect for routing pipe runs if the old pipe breaks or needs rerouting, flexible and the same diameter as brake pipe , just use a bit of insulation tape around it to mark the length. Also retain the brake pipe nuts near each flare using a bit of insulation tape around the pipe, it can stop the nuts sliding along the pipe and having to be retrieved

 

[AKN]

I had to replace some of the pipes to the rear brakes on the Merc. Impossible to change the whole length and not really necessary as the rest was pristine. I got one of these, did the steel pipe no problem.

https://www.sealey.co.uk/product/5637193403/on-vehicle-micro-brake-pipe-flaring-tool-316-sae

 

[Keithmac]

I replace all mine with AN-3, ran most of it through the cabin.

A bit of a faf fitting the stainless ends but worked out OK.

 

[Jim881]

Cheers for all the information everyone!!! Really appreciate it.....

Due to me needing to get the car back on the road. I am going to try and clean up the old fittings the best I can (I've got some small copper brushes and ordered some more plus gas) and tackle this once i've got my car back on the road.

If that doesn't work out I have decided on the Capri 3/16 Tool and have found a company that can supply all the other required bit. Correct fittings, union etc.

I'll let you know how I get on.

P.s. If anyone is close in Oxfordshire and is willing to help if needed it would be much appreciated. I can offer unlimited tea and sandwiches

Regards

Jim