In a message dated 3/11/04 3:48:14 PM Eastern Standard Time,
mtgaines@mail.presby.edu writes:
> All this talk of hydraulic fittings reminds me that I need to replace a
> brake pipe from the rear cylinder to the flexible hose in a TR6. Those lines
> are no longer available from Moss or VB without buying all pipes, but you can
> buy pipes of various lengths with the fittings (bubble flared) provided and
> bend them to shape. I measured the old one to be approximately 15" but the
> only length in replacement pipe that is close is 12" (I think 30" is the next
> closest). Has anyone used the 12" pipe, and did it work? I do have a friend
> who says he has a flaring tool, but the reply below suggests that most such
> tools are for single flaring. Now I'm thinking I probably can't do this on
>my
> own.
>
Hi,
TRF sells steel brake pipes in the correct length with the correct flares and
end fittings. They list part #309726 for the LH rear wheel cylinder to brake
hose, and 309727 for the RS.
If you want to use the ready-made lines you can buy at most parts stores, you
need to be careful. I'm not sure what flares are required on the pipes you
need. Are the flares the same on each end of the original line? If both ends
have a double flare, you might be able to find a line that can be fitted.
If the lines you are replacing have bubble flares on one or both ends, it is
very hard to find lines with bubble flares and the correct 3/8-24 fittings
(swivel nuts) at the local parts store. And about impossible to find lines
with
a bubble flare on one end and a double flare on the other end at those stores.
These days the lines with bubble flares at each end being sold at the parts
stores usually have metric-threaded end fittings.
I have made dozens of steel brake lines for various British cars. To form a
bubble flare I use the ISO flaring tool kit I bought from Eastwood. For the
double flares I use the double flaring tool which you can buy everywhere.
Some people claim that you can achieve a bubble flare with a double flaring
tool if you only do the first part of a double flare. I was leery of that, so
I did some experimenting. I was not happy with the results, the flare did
have a bubble, sort of, but it didn't look close enough to an original bubble
flare to me. So, I spent the money for the Eastwood ISO kit. I think it was
about $70.
Unless you REALLY want to make your own lines, I think buying the ones TRF
sells are the way to go.
Rich Rock
Pottstown, PA
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