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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Brakes and Braking Systems => Topic started by: jhiggin on June 12, 2015, 04:26:36 PM

Title: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: jhiggin on June 12, 2015, 04:26:36 PM: So I've got my 14 bolt sf stripped down now and the original brake line has a pinch in it. I'm really not interested in bending hard line myself I'd rather buy a prevent set for the rear or even just if there was a rubber alternative but I can't seem to find anything. None of the parts stores around seem to sell it. Any help???
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: Irish_Alley on June 12, 2015, 09:02:05 PM: theres only a couple bends in the line and you can bend it with your hands with no special tools. i really dont think anyone makes pre-bent line for the axles and i think its your only answer
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: jhiggin on June 13, 2015, 09:39:04 AM: Shoot. That's what I was afraid of. I guess it's time to start practicing
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: Don5 on June 13, 2015, 11:28:16 AM: It is not that hard to bend brake line by hand. I bought a couple of hand benders at O'reillys to do mine. I never could use the cheap one but the nice pliers type works real well. Those cost $20 I believe.

You can also bend the line over the screw part of a vise between the handle and the vice itself. I used the round part of my vice more than anything else to bend the brake line. Just make sure you rent the double flare tool in case you have to cut the line too.
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: jg1977c20 on June 14, 2015, 03:11:37 AM: you dont even need benders -the sell hard line with a steel wire wrapped around it which makes bending by hand super easy -so easy you would have to really try to mess it up
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: shaggy72 on June 19, 2015, 12:44:53 AM: I just replaced mine on my 85. Used my hands to do all of the bends. Not hard at all
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: Blazin on July 15, 2015, 05:01:12 AM: If you use the copper alloy line that's been out for a few years now its almost impossible to kink.
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: Dr_Snooz on July 24, 2015, 08:30:43 AM: You could also cut out the kink with a tubing cutter and then use a brass compression coupler to join the two pieces back together.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTQ0WDE0NA==/$T2eC16FHJG!E9nm3pwYIBQiT9lCu+Q~~60_35.JPG?set_id=8800004005)
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: Irish_Alley on July 25, 2015, 01:42:04 AM: Compression fittings are a no no for safety reasons. That being said I've used them and got away with it but its not advised
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: Blazin on July 26, 2015, 09:18:01 AM: Compression fittings are at best for getting you home. They are illegal in N.H.
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: bd on July 26, 2015, 02:50:22 PM: AFAIK compression fittings are illegal in juice brake systems on any roadway vehicle in the US.
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: Dr_Snooz on July 28, 2015, 08:58:42 AM: Okay, riddle me this. Let's just say, hypothetically, that a guy has a classic Honda with brake lines that leak at the flare fittings in the proportioning valve. The hard lines need to be replaced. The prop valve is on the firewall in the engine compartment and the hard lines pass through the firewall, run under the passenger seats and back out the fender wells to the rear brakes. Assuming that this guy doesn't want to disassemble half the car to replace those hard lines in their entirety, what can he do?
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: bd on July 28, 2015, 09:35:52 AM: Ahhh! The hidden costs of owning a vehicle. Who hasn't encountered the mindlessness of present day manufacturing?

Don't lament about it. Repair the brake system safely, legally, properly. For instance, if there's access to cut out the bad section, double flare the end of the section that remains in the vehicle and use an inverted flare union to join the lines. Otherwise, take the vehicle to a licensed shop who can.
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: Irish_Alley on July 28, 2015, 11:41:06 AM: the problem isnt using a compression fitting but the fact theyre only secured by how tight you compress the fitting. so don't do it cause one might think they tighten it down good enough and it doesnt leak but it migh come apart when you have to do an "emergency brake". theres nothing like a double flare to really secure the line in the inverted flare union
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: Dr_Snooz on July 28, 2015, 11:11:11 PM: Quote from: bd on July 28, 2015, 09:35:52 AM
Ahhh! The hidden costs of owning a vehicle. Who hasn't encountered the mindlessness of present day manufacturing?

Don't lament about it. Repair the brake system safely, legally, properly. For instance, if there's access to cut out the bad section, double flare the end of the section that remains in the vehicle and use an inverted flare union to join the lines. Otherwise, take the vehicle to a licensed shop who can.

Ah. Didn't know about those. Thanks! Now I can get my car running again.

...er, I mean that hypothetical guy can get his car running again. Hypothetically, of course.

So the OP could conceivably do the same thing on his brake line?
Title: Re: 14 bolt brake hard lines
Post by: fitz on July 29, 2015, 05:39:00 AM: Hypothetically he could, but in reality there is no need to. Don't over think it.
He has better options available.
He can order stainless lines pre bent from Classic Tube.
Or he can buy some copper alloy line like Blazin suggested. Bend it up so it fits perfect. If your not comfortable flaring it, bring the line down to a local mechanic. I'm sure you can find a mechanic to flare it for $20. It a 5 minute job for someone with the tools & experience to do it right.