Solid vs. Flex lines

[Cody100]

I replaced my clutch slave and master last summer and I had a bit of trouble with the hydraulic lines. One end was seized and needed to be cut, I only had a cheap flaring tool to use and as a result I've been dealing with a minor leak all winter. I was going to pull the line out and have it flared properly but I though I would ask a question first.

Is it possible to replace the steel lines with a braded steel hose of some kind? Just seems like it would be so much easier to work on something flexible.

Thanks.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

The fluid in the line doesn't know, or care, if the tubing is solid or flexible. Any hydraulic rated line will work, just don't run rubber next to exhaust and protect from abrasion (rubbing).

[Cody100]

Makes sense, thanks for the quick reply.

[dodgeboykim]

Steel lines are cheap and easy. Did you use a double flaring tool when fixing old line????

[Cody100]

Did you use a double flaring tool when fixing old line????

No just a regular flare, I'll get the lines off this weekend and have the local shop properly flare the lines for me. I was just asking more out of curiosity.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

U can buy an affordable double flaring kit at the auto parts store and do it yourself easily at home.

[Cody100]

I had an issue with the line splitting every time I tried the regular flare tool, is this not a problem with a double flare tool?

[Hobcobble]

I had an issue with the line splitting every time I tried the regular flare tool, is this not a problem with a double flare tool?

You might be flaring too much of the line.
John

[dodgeboykim]

I had an issue with the line splitting every time I tried the regular flare tool, is this not a problem with a double flare tool?

You still need a double flaring tool to do it properly. Just like brake lines. You must use correct tools. Single flare will not cut it. Meant for soft copper lines/plumbing , Not for automotive applications.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

I had an issue with the line splitting every time I tried the regular flare tool, is this not a problem with a double flare tool?

No, not a problem at all with the correct tool.
It splits because u are stretching the tube wall outward. The double flare folds the wall inward.

[Noelie84]

Another option too is to swap the steel out with copper-nickel; it's softer and is much easier to work into a bubble flare.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Isn't copper unsafe for brake lines? Too soft and easily damaged, cracked, etc?

[Noelie84]

Isn't copper unsafe for brake lines? Too soft and easily damaged, cracked, etc?

Probably straight copper would be. Copper-nickel lines are being used (legally) all over the rust belt now for brake and fuel lines because they won't rust, ever. The coated lines eventually give up and rust, but the Copper-nickel lines are a true 'do them once' repair.

They are softer than the steel lines, but still plenty sturdy. Much easier to work a bubble flare onto, that's for sure. But expensive; something like twice the cost per foot vs regular steel. Do a quick google search for 'NiCopp brake lines' and they're all over the place.

[coelcanth]

expensive but maybe only relatively..


$30 will get you a roll enough to do one entire truck,
and the lines will never rot out like the ones you are replacing
and the fun factor of doing the job with material that bends and flares so much easier than steel is x10 !!

[Noelie84]

expensive but maybe only relatively..


$30 will get you a roll enough to do one entire truck,
and the lines will never rot out like the ones you are replacing
and the fun factor of doing the job with material that bends and flares so much easier than steel is x10 !!

Very true. Much easier to work with than steel. I went with steel with my brake lines that I just replaced, but only because I already had a roll that I got for free from a buddy of mine. And even then, I still debated with myself on just buying the NiCopp for ease of use.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

and the fun factor of doing the job with material that bends and flares so much easier than steel is x10 !!

If its easy its not near as much fun.
"The greater the challenge, the more fun it is." Neil Armstrong

[hitparader]

yeah cunifer lines are great - really only downside (other than extra cost) is they have a copper-ish appearance, but if you have lots of free time you can polish 'em with Brasso so they are almost silver.