Brake lines

[shamirj]

Just wondering what to buy to cheaply replace the original brake lines - is it copper piping or brass? And how many metres is required to replace the entire vehicle fronts and rear, would 10metres be sufficient or not enough! And where do I buy it from in Sydney, not sure? And what of the nuts are they cheaply found and replaced or not? Or better keep the original nuts instead. cheers

[JDNSW]

I have a feeling that copper is not legal in some states (it work hardens with vibration and may crack, although in the past it has often been used without problems). The usual is steel or a special alloy, whose name I can't think of at the moment. The "nuts" on the Series 1, I suspect are BSF, and if so are made from unobtainium.

Also, check carefully the tubing size - it will be an imperial size, which will probably be more difficult to find. A good move would be to find a brake specialist near you and discuss with them what they can get, or maybe someone here can be more specific.

John

[Aaron IIA]

Use steel brake bundy tubing. The flare nuts are UNF. When buying new nuts, take in the old ones to compare. My local car parts shop carries all these parts in stock. The bleed screws are BSF and must be alternatively sourced or hand made.

Aaron.

[101RRS]

As indicated by John - your local brake specialist should be able to help. I used mine to help with my brakes on the 101. I replaced the entire brake system and they were able to help with just about everything. With one exception there was nothing unusual about the connectors and unions - and certainly nothing that could not be sourced after a little research.

Garry

[JohnF]

recently I rhad a brake specialist mechanic at mullumbimby replace the pipe to the front left wheel of our series 3. the special pipe used was copper outside with a stanless steel inside. he reused m nuts.

[cjc_td5]

I have measured the total brake line length on my 86", about 5.5m. Bought 6m today so I have a bit to practice my double flares on first. Tube and flare nuts are a standard UNF fitting that were off the shelf. You will need 9 tube nuts and 3 flare nuts to do all lines except the larger diameter pipe from the master cylinder to the reservior. All up cost me about $65. My brake specialist said they can make up new flexible hoses no problems.

I am renewing all wheel cylinders so dont have to worry about trying to match bleed screw threads.

Cheers,

[shamirj]

Made some more enquiries and have sourced some bundy tubing for the 86'. Is the correct size 3/16 for the majority and then there is some larger brake piping which Im not sure of the size. Want to purchase this weekend. How much of the 3/16 5metres should be enough, and how much of the larger diameter do i need. cost quoted $9 plus gst per metre. nuts will probably just use my own, not sure of additonal cost here. many thanks

[101RRS]

nuts will probably just use my own, not sure of additonal cost here. many thanks

There will be a real chance that your "fittings" may be burred over or will be when you finish - so I would consider also buying new stuff if you can get them.

Garry