Brake line connection

Topic: Brake line connection (Read 1916 times) previous topic - next topic

Brake line connection

May 22, 2013, 08:18:50 AM

Just came across this style connection on my 97 F150 brake lines. Looks to be double flare to 'bubble flare' or double inverted which I believe is also a metric fitting.

Is this common on the 'newer' vehicles'?

Thanks!

Brake line connection

Reply #1 – May 22, 2013, 10:26:43 AM

its like that on my 87 and 88 fox's

i recently replaced my son's caliper flex lines but the metal transitioin was siezed on one side.
i had to just buy the double flair tool at napa, i practiced a couple times , once on a small copper tube i had, and a couple more times on a short section of line that i also bought from napa for spare parts.

the lines or ends are also color coded for visual metric / standard separation.

you may find this flair is on your heritage in verious places.... not sure,, never owned an 83.

Brake line connection

Reply #2 – May 22, 2013, 11:46:45 AM

It's called an ISO flare, and no, it's not necessarily metric, although most times they are. Usually they'll be metric when there isn't a companion line like your pic, such as when feeding into a height sensing prop valve, or an ABS HCU. In all cases, you WILL need a special flaring tool for ISO flares and bubble flares.

Brake line connection

Reply #3 – May 29, 2013, 11:34:18 PM

Thanks for the info. I was surprised to find this on my 97 and didn't know they used it back to 87-88. These are metric fittings.

Seems a cheaper way to connect two lines without a double flare coupling IF you have the tool for the bubble flare, which I don't! :hick:

Brake line connection

Reply #4 – May 30, 2013, 05:28:22 AM

For What It is Worth ????

First off the ISO flare is superior to inverted 45* flair because it is easier to do it prevents the fold over from cracking and is the norm now. It normally wont leak and it does not take a permanent set. Some cars and trucks use both on the same line. ( JEEP ) Also you can use a regular flaring tool to make them. Just install the tubing in the vice clamping side of the flaring tool backwords, Another words the opposite side that you would use to make an inverted 45* flare. Make the line protrude longer from the tool gauging it with the fold over BUTTON to the witness mark. Then install the button and make the ISO flare. I have dun this for years. That is untill they came out with the proper tool to make ISO flares.

Clearly the ISO is superior to Inverted 45* flares. If you ever worked with Stainless line you would know this immediately. SS line is a BITCH to make leak free. And we no longer use it. The stuff SUCKS!!! Hope this helps.

Here is a line i just made for the C4 to C5 conversion i am doing. One side has ISO the other 45* inverted flare

ISO line is not metric but the fittings come in several combinations . As far as i know there are several thread pitches for ISO line couplings. ISO also comes in several step UP fittings just like Inverted 45. I stock all the fittings in both ISO as well as inverted 45. I have to as there is so many different fittings. And i do not use ADAPTERS. I hate using adapters it is not PROFESSIONAL IN MY VIEW. Just me!!!

Brake line connection

Reply #5 – May 30, 2013, 07:48:21 AM

I agree. Adapters look like a shade-tree patchjob. Sloppy. Incidentally, I have that same hydraulic flaring kit. It's way better than cranking a screw type tool, it even does fuel line quick-connect fittings.

Brake line connection

Reply #6 – May 30, 2013, 10:38:18 AM

Quote from: TOM Renzo;416250

For What It is Worth ????

Also you can use a regular flaring tool to make them. Just install the tubing in the vice clamping side of the flaring tool backwords, Another words the opposite side that you would use to make an inverted 45* flare. Make the line protrude longer from the tool gauging it with the fold over BUTTON to the witness mark. Then install the button and make the ISO flare. I have dun this for years. That is untill they came out with the proper tool to make ISO flares.

Interesting, I'll have to check this out and experiment.

Quote from: TOM Renzo;416250

For What It is Worth ????

If you ever worked with Stainless line you would know this immediately. SS line is a BITCH to make leak free. And we no longer use it. The stuff SUCKS!!! Hope this helps.

Great, I'm working with SS pre bent lines. Maybe I'll get lucky. Any tips? I've heard sometimes a series of tighten/loosen helps set the flare.

I'll keep you posted and thanks for the info.

Brake line connection

Reply #7 – May 30, 2013, 11:40:36 AM

If you are using SS better replace all the fittings it connects with. The stuff leaks. It has no conform ability whatsoever. If you can get it leak free you have to tighten the hellout of it and that usually strips the fitting you screw it in to. Good luck with SS.

Brake line connection

Reply #8 – May 30, 2013, 11:42:58 AM

FOE that BLUE POINT flaring tool is by far the best bar NONE. I love it !!!!

Foe you can even make the flat ends on the rack fittings with great success. I have made a couple in the day. The tool was worth every PENNY I SPENT!!!

Brake line connection

Reply #9 – June 13, 2013, 10:37:13 PM

Quote from: TOM Renzo;416261

If you are using SS better replace all the fittings it connects with. The stuff leaks. It has no conform ability whatsoever. If you can get it leak free you have to tighten the hellout of it and that usually strips the fitting you screw it in to. Good luck with SS.

All hoses and connections were new except for the 2 at the master cylinder and 2 at the ABS block and guess what...... leak free!!!! :burnout: I was impressed with the quality of the Inline Tube lines so I guess they use good material and make really good flares or I got lucky. I was expecting the worst...

Do you have a model number of the flaring tool you use?

Brake line connection

Reply #10 – June 14, 2013, 10:36:55 PM

Here you go. You are the luckiest guy in the world to have leak free connections with SS. Unless all your connecting points were NEW. Sometimes those custom lines are made from softer stainless. That is good that you had leak free lines. just a thought did you run the engine and hold the brakes on hard to check for leaks??? If not do it and use a HELPER to mash down the brake pedal and then check for leaks. Good job!!

http://image.snapon.com/international/pdf/TF700.pdf

Brake line connection

Reply #11 – June 16, 2013, 09:10:00 PM

Quote from: TOM Renzo;417076

Here you go. You are the luckiest guy in the world to have leak free connections with SS. Unless all your connecting points were NEW. Sometimes those custom lines are made from softer stainless. That is good that you had leak free lines. just a thought did you run the engine and hold the brakes on hard to check for leaks??? If not do it and use a HELPER to mash down the brake pedal and then check for leaks. Good job!!

http://image.snapon.com/international/pdf/TF700.pdf

I'm thinking my luck could be that Inline Tube might use a slightly softer SS? I had 4 old connections and no leaks. All of the rest were new. Not only did I have a helper to check for leaks, I took it out in traffic, which these days requires panic stops due to people driving crazy!

Thanks for the info on the flaring tool.

Sure can't beat the look of a nice new brake job, too bad they don't stay that nice. :(

I do love the look of that shiny SS! :hick:

Brake line connection

Reply #12 – June 16, 2013, 09:21:58 PM

Yep those old lines were shot!!!

Brake line connection

Reply #13 – June 24, 2013, 09:20:29 AM

Quote from: TOM Renzo;417191

Yep those old lines were shot!!!

The picture is of the one of the better old lines. You should see the really bad old lines! :hick:

Anyone driving a 97 vintage F150 would do themselves a favor and inspect their lines. Don't know what material they used, (imported junk I'm guessing) but the stuff under the truck was junk.