Brake line length

Topic: Brake line length (Read 939 times) previous topic - next topic

Brake line length

June 23, 2009, 08:04:09 PM

86 Cougar XR7, Changing rotors, calipers, pads, wheel cylinders, and hoses and noticed one of the hard lines leaking. Its on the pass side just past the fuel filter. Is this a 1 piece line from frt to back? If so am I looking at buying straight lengths and bending them or are they available somewhere? Thanks

Brake line length

Reply #1 – June 25, 2009, 02:09:24 PM

Well I traced the line and it appears to be extremly long. It runs from the rear axle to the rt frt then across and up to the m/c. In the front of the car the line has what looks like a stretched out spring around it which I would imagine is there to try to protect it. My question is this, if I replace the whole line frt to back(which I dont want to) what can I use to protect it? or should I replace just the bad section with some compression fittings. I really enjoy stopping so would prefer to do what ever you guys think to be the best answer.

Brake line length

Reply #2 – June 25, 2009, 02:48:18 PM

Well I know the lines are not avaliable so you would have to make your own. I might be easier to just replace a section vs replacing the whole line. If the rest of the line is ok that's what I would do.

Brake line length

Reply #3 – June 25, 2009, 11:41:38 PM

Replace the whole line. You shouldn't use compression joints on brake lines.

Its not all that hard. Measure the OD of the line and go buy a spool from Napa and rent the bending tool and flare tool. Take out the old and and go into your driveway and start bending. Try to save your old threaded ends, I had to re-use one because I couldn't find a new one. I don't mess around when it comes to brakes.

Brake line length

Reply #4 – June 26, 2009, 07:28:56 AM

I wasnt real keen on patching together a brake line either but what can I use up in the front suspension area to put around the line like what is there now I would guess its for protecting the line, like I said it appears like a coil spring

Brake line length

Reply #5 – June 26, 2009, 09:07:24 AM

I used a piece of Vacuum hose split down the side and zip tied in a few places. I would guess you could use splitloom as well.

Brake line length

Reply #6 – June 26, 2009, 09:57:34 AM

Thanks, I will go one of those routes. I have talked myself into replacing all the lines since I will be doing the longest one and then the rest would be 23 years old if I didnt

Brake line length

Reply #7 – June 26, 2009, 01:39:10 PM

I've done lots of brake lines and I prefer to buy lengths of line and join them with unions. Trying to make the line in one peice will be very difficult for a novice as it's had to handle. My using seperate lines you can make the front line seperately and install it much easier. I've never had a union leak on me. Double flaring is a must and requires a double flaring tool and is done in two steps. Never single flare brake lines. I think the spring around the brake line does more to help it rust than protect it from damage. You could paint the lines with POR15 to keep them from rusting. Clamping the lines to the chassis will keep them from rubbing and void the need for the spring. Rubber lined clamps are cheap and work well especially with Tek screws.