Flaring Brake Lines

[buff_dog70]

Was trying to improve what I had when I switched axles. The rear steel brake line where it comes off the truck. It was bent and I chewed up the brass fitting when I was tryng to get it off. Sooo I decided to cut the brake line put a new fitting and reflare the break line. Which I did and it leaked after I did it. I have tried 4 more times (I;m running our of line. And everytime I cut reflare the thing still leaks. It does seem to be getting less each time. Any tips or secret would be greatly appreciated.

Buff_Dog

 

[4X4HIGH]

You probably don't have a good flaring tool or the adapter needs replacing. The adapters do go bad and won't make a good enough flare.

 

[Jishory]

imo its a good idea to replace the line if you need to reflare them, when you get the new line: cut it to length first, remove burrs, flare then bend. It seems when the line is used and bent its never really exactly round again. Hard brake line is cheap anyways. I have succesfully flared used stuff but it was just one of those situations.

 

[55Willy]

If you look up by the t case you might find a union in that brakeline, just take it apart there and add a new longer piece.

if not, then as stated try another adapter.

 

[chevyin]

When you are flaring the line are you using a standard single flare tool or the double flare tool designed for brake lines? Unless you are using SS line, you must use the double flare for brakes or they will leak. The double flares are pita to make, but I have never had one leak.

 

[buff_dog70]

Double Flare

I am using regular steel lines (OEM??) I agree about PITA.

I think I will take advice to see if I can add larger piece. But when I looked on LMC website there was no union by the transfer case. I will personally inspect, but it looked to me like the line ran all the way to resevior up by the drivers side under the hood.

 

[chevyin]

So, you are using the double flare and they are leaking? If you are double flaring, look for any cracking in the flares themselves. The reason you cannot use double flares on S.S. is that it is too brittle to withstand the wraparound of the double flare. This is the reason I personally never use S.S. lines. Sometimes old mild steel will harden because of stressing or enviromental issues such as repeated heating and cooling or rapid cooling by water after being heated. Brakes are something you do not want to screw around with. If in doubt, replace the entire line. It isn't worth your life to save a few bucks!