For those of you who have bent brake lines....

[garydan]

I'm replacing the hard line that goes from a fitting on the frame near the passenger door, up the frame to the bracket that fits the hard line to the soft drop line to the rear axle.

I'm going to pick up a bender today, but I was hoping someone could give me a strategy for install. Keep in mind I've never used a bender before. Will I be able to make bends as I go?

Should I start from the back forward? I can use the existing line to mock something up I suppose.

Let me know some tricks... thanks!

 

[82355]

I don't even use a bender, just the box end of a 1/2 wrench. You don't have to route it exactly the same as OEM.

Martin

 

[chulisohombre]

yep i dont use bender either.i start from front to back myself.where the first connector goes in to where it needs to end.that way i know how much extra tube i will need to finish the line.1/2 inch box end wrench works fine as a bender.a lot of times i just use my hands.it doesnt have to run exactly as stock.just has to be secured to the frame so it doesnt move with the suspension.

 

[Desert Rat]

You can always mock up the line using a coat hanger as well to see the route and the bends.

 

[bp71k5]

I like using a bender. The line looks a little cleaner that way and you won't accidentally kink it.

Just go slow and don't overbend any one spot. And buy extra lines in case you screw up. Getting a decent flare fitting tool has always been my problem.

 

[ryoken]

it's all about the hydro baby!

i know, I know, it's pricey.. think I paid like $275, 300... one of the best tools I've ever bought.. the first time ya use it, your like "I can't believe I used those POS ones all those years..."

running line, you can do it by hand.. but i like to use the bender for anything above about 25 degrees or so...

 

[garydan]

Success. I rent a tool from Autozone and a 70' hard line with fittings on each end. Although I used it, I made most of the bends with my hands. The more drastic bends, I used the tool. Now on to bleeding. I have to bleed the master as well since the rear brake reservoir drained dry. I was thinking about giving up and having a shop do the bleeding. But I did everything else... might as well man up and do the bleeding as well

 

[TX Mudder]

Looks good. Everyone thinks bending and flaring brake lines is hard until they actually do it.