Flare nut wrench size

[jay1028]

Going to change the aging brake hoses. I am going to buy the correct size flare nut wrench for the job as I don't need any problems arising from rounded fittings during removal. Found that 11mm and 7/16 open end wrenches both fit. What is the proper size for the hard brake lines that mate to the hoses?

Thanks.

 

[swshawaii]

:scratch: Got a dial caliper? LOL

3/8 (Post #28 )
11mm (Post #32 )

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236951&page=2

 

[bill06447]

Just need a set of Vise-Grips...the brake line most likely isn't coming off with the flare nut wrench and you're just pitching the old line anyway. Also don't overtighten the replacement line-snug is good, it's only holding a 3/16 flare against a fitting.

Bill

 

[Kiliona]

Just need a set of Vise-Grips...the brake line most likely isn't coming off with the flare nut wrench and you're just pitching the old line anyway. Also don't overtighten the replacement line-snug is good, it's only holding a 3/16 flare against a fitting.

Bill

I somewhat disagree, may as well use the flare nut wrench especially if you have access to one (or planned on buying one).

OP you're right it's best not to risk rounding the nut ESPECIALLY when chances are at some point in your life you may have to do the brake lines again, and next time you'd have the wrench if you bought it now.

No idea what size it is, but
11 mm = .433071 inch
3/8 inch = .375 (not sure why someone else said this was the size?)
7/16 inch = .4375

So if both the 11 and the 7/16 fit, the 11 is smaller by 4 hundredths of an inch and is thus the better wrench for the job, albeit marginally.

 

[jay1028]

Kiliona, Thank you much for the info. I will go with the 11mm.

The reference to 3/8 was for an after-maket fitting in that long post. Nowhere in all that advice did anyone mention using the correct size flare nut wrench. I can't find a mention of the wrench size anywhere on the forum, that is why I am asking.

Although it is a 96, the metal brake lines and fittings are in fine condition. Just mild surface rust. No vice grips. I wanted the proper wrench for the install of the new hoses.

I can't believe that I have read a lot of guys are against changing brake fluid every few years. I had an aluminum caliper with the piston seized because way back then, I never knew to change brake fluid and the aluminum got attacked by the water in the eight year old fluid. Had to get a new caliper.

 

[drdoom]

If you're changing HOSES you don't want to wreck the flare nut or you'll be replacing the steel lines too.

 

[swshawaii]

Going to change the aging brake hoses.

What is the proper size for the hard brake lines that mate to the hoses?

I completely misread the OP's question. Thanks for the correction, drdoom.

 

[jay1028]

ahh, I missed this from that long thread.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236951&page=2

Going from memory, the tools I used were:

11mm flare wrench for rear brake line nuts @ at all rear brake hose connections.

Just to clarify, it is 11mm for all the OEM metal brake line nuts on my 96 xlt V8 2WD, front and rear. The OEM brake lines are 3/16".

 

[bill06447]

I completely misread the OP's question. Thanks for the correction, drdoom.

same here. Whups.

Bill

 

[jay1028]

Update

Replaced both front brake hoses this morning. Spayed PB Blaster last night on all the fittings. No problems separating any of the connections. New hoses from Advance were $15ea and fit perfect. Some people like to re-use the copper washers, but I used the new ones that came with the new hoses. No leaks. Took 3.5hrs for the job including removing the calipers and wire brushing away all the surface rust and brake dust. Used Motorcraft XG3A silicone brake caliper grease on the guide rails and on the brake pad ends where they contact the caliper.

Only thing - it is hard on the knees getting into the wheel wells for that long even with knee pad on the concrete.

Note: was difficult to find 11mm flare nut wrench around here so bought a 7/16 and it fit fine.

Next week on to the rear hoses.

 

[Kiliona]

Replaced both front brake hoses this morning. Spayed PB Blaster last night on all the fittings. No problems separating any of the connections. New hoses from Advance were $15ea and fit perfect. Some people like to re-use the copper washers, but I used the new ones that came with the new hoses. No leaks. Took 3.5hrs for the job including removing the calipers and wire brushing away all the surface rust and brake dust. Used Motorcraft XG3A silicone brake caliper grease on the guide rails and on the brake pad ends where they contact the caliper.

Only thing - it is hard on the knees getting into the wheel wells for that long even with knee pad on the concrete.

Note: was difficult to find 11mm flare nut wrench around here so bought a 7/16 and it fit fine.

Next week on to the rear hoses.

Nice update, glad to see it worked out.

Usually when working on brakes or suspension, the tire I pull off becomes my seat while I work x D I find this comfortable (more so on my 31 inch tires on 15 inch wheels, lots of tire without much wheel).

But then again i'm younger than many of the posters on here, and my back doesn't mind being hunched over the brakes while sitting on the ground.

 

[bill06447]

11mm is effectively the same size as SAE 7/16 hence your difficulty locating one

Bill

 

[radman]

No idea what size it is, but
11 mm = .433071 inch
3/8 inch = .375 (not sure why someone else said this was the size?)
7/16 inch = .4375

So if both the 11 and the 7/16 fit, the 11 is smaller by 4 hundredths of an inch and is thus the better wrench for the job, albeit marginally.[/QUOTE]


That should read four and one half thousands of an inch difference, just saying.
Mike

 

[SoNic67]

Usually when working on brakes or suspension, the tire I pull off becomes my seat while I work x D I find this comfortable (more so on my 31 inch tires on 15 inch wheels, lots of tire without much wheel).

I put it under the car at door jamb, just in case the jack stand falls or collapses.

 

[drdoom]

I put it under the car at door jamb, just in case the jack stand falls or collapses.

My Pops taught me the same thing.