Brake lines from the UK...problems?

Many of the copper coloured lines you see in Oz are simply copper coated. not copper. As far as I know solid copper lines are still not permitted for two reasons, one because many have a seam that can split and that copper work hardens easily. I wouldn't use them. Any brake place can make you lines, in fact you can buy a double flare tool on e-bay. I'm going to buy one to do my mustang.

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Originally Posted by shaunp

Many of the copper coloured lines you see in Oz are simply copper coated. not copper. As far as I know solid copper lines are still not permitted for two reasons, one because many have a seam that can split and that copper work hardens easily. I wouldn't use them. Any brake place can make you lines

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Copper pipe that is specifically made for automotive brake line use are a copper-nickel alloy, are seamless, won't work harden, have a tensile strength and pressure resistance equal to that of steel lines. Steel brake lines once they start to corrode the tensile strength and pressure resistance drops dramatically.

Most brake places, Repco etc can supply copper alloy brake lines pre-made to specific lengths.

There are a number of automotive manufacturers that use copper-alloy lines in production vehicles, Rolls Royce, Volvo are two.

EDIT:
Also note in QLD, Queensland Transport,

[1] Normal commercial copper tubing has been prohibited from use in brake systems because it is considered prone to cracking due to work hardening. However, there is a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice called Tubing - Motor Vehicle Brake Tubing Hydraulic - SAE J1047 which is the accepted industry standard. Persons wishing to use copper tube for vehicle hydraulic brake lines, must first provide proof of compliance with SAE J1047or equivalent standard.

[2] Made up hoses are not acceptable. Where brake hoses are replaced with aftermarket products, relevant standards approval marking is required. Motorcycles manufactured on or after 1 July, 1975, the brake hoses must be marked as per ADR 7/00. (Made up hoses are not acceptable unless specifically approved.) Braided hoses are acceptable provided they are approved and correctly marked. Refer AIS Information Sheet 7 - Braided Brake Hoses.

Best regards
DarrenR

TPS brake suplies at Smith st Capalaba in Brisbane can make DOT compliant rubber or braided hoses from a sample, or once off mods with different ends to suit brake up grades etc. They will also make hard lines as required. Cheapest place I've found for brake parts, in Brisbane.

Hi all,

thanks for the answers.

I have used copper brake lines (and I mean brake lines made from a copper alloy especially formulated for the use as brake lines) on every car I have restored so far (but that was in Germany) and never had any problems, not even with the (VERY strict compared to Qld RWC) German inspectors...so I am a little puzzled that it might be a problem here.

But then again it is probably a good idea to be safe than sorry so I will get
the specs and check with my RWC guy first and Qld Transport second.

They will go on the truck, either way, but I would like to put them on now when I have easy access to everything while the body etc is off.

Thanks,

Thomas