DIY Brakelines, easy project

[spark]

My MOT is loomin and the front and rear solid brakelines were an advisory last year, MOT man said £200 for the job but I'm wondering whether its worth having a go myself.

have been recommended a supplier for elctrical connectors and they also sell brakeline parts and tools too....

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/brakepipe/brakes.php

anyone know the thread sizes found on the explorer?

 

[kernowman]

The one thing that seems to let the Explorer down with regard to brakes is the fact that the brake lines are steel and covered in that spiral protection, which seems to do nothing but harbour damp, causing corrosion. Haven't done any brake lines for a few years, but it is not that difficult. The brake pipe which is either copper or very similar is quite soft and flexible, therefore easy to route through the truck. The ends need to be flared and you can buy a simple little tool to do this. The system needs to be bled afterwards - you will need a second person to help with this. Basically it is quite simple to do - you should save a lot of cash. If you do it, make sure you secure the brake pipes well to the chassis - the MOT guys do not like them to be loose.

 

[BIGHVM]

Thats right- its not bad to do yourself, been a few years for me since I did one, it was on my old mk1 escort way back in time.....just be sure to allow an inch or so extra when you cut to length, you can always put an extra bend in to take length out but cant stretch it if its short!

 

[spark]

I think i'll be doing a few practice runs especially with the double flares someone at work keeps mentioning, i think it'll be worth having a go just for the experience. I was hoping someone may have the thread sizes that are found on the ends, I know the pipe's 3/16 but I supose the fittings are easily picked up whatever they turn out to be!

 

[Explorerman2]

Check if fittings are standard

I recall reading (on this forum?) that the fittings are not standard off the shelf at UK factor sizes. Perhaps someone can confirm?

 

[rich uk]

guess you could reuse the fittings on the old pipes worse case
unless there all chewed up

 

[rich uk]

http://www.ehow.com/video_2328144_differences-brake-line-fittings.html

waking up an old thread

lots of info on these vids

 

[janolsson]

IIRC the lines are supposed to be fixed a 40cm intervals.
I also noticed the routing for the nearside lines was across the firewall behind the engine, so you may want to consider putting a join in at an accessable point of good line. Also before undoing or cutting the existing line get some clingfilm and put it over the top of the fluid reservoir and put the cap back on. This will stop the fluid draing out as much.