Brake Line Help!

hazrider · 08-20-2006, 07:49 PM

Okay, just about done with the lift. Made it through the pullman struggle, finished up the front and on to the rear.

It's going okay when the rear brake line snaps just at the fitting

Do I have to replace the entire brake line or is there some sort of fitting that I can use to repair? Has this happened to anyone else or is it just my luck?

How hard is it to replace the whole thing? Thanks for the suggestions.

mrbigglesworth · 08-20-2006, 07:54 PM

I would replace the whole break line. Depending on which state you are in, you can use compression fittings which can join two lines together. Some states wont pass them for inspection. Which fitting did it break at?

hazrider · 08-20-2006, 08:07 PM

It is a compression fitting but it needs to have a flared end. Does anyone know if they make a tool that can flare the end. I have enough slack to reuse the same fitting if I can modify the end. I asked at auto parts store but they had no clue either.

drver · 08-20-2006, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hazrider

It is a compression fitting but it needs to have a flared end. Does anyone know if they make a tool that can flare the end. I have enough slack to reuse the same fitting if I can modify the end. I asked at auto parts store but they had no clue either.

Yes there is a tool to flair the ends. Try a different store.

**CjinPA** · 08-20-2006, 08:28 PM

Harbor Freight has a cheap flaring kit for around $15. If the line broke it will likely be too hard to get a good flare on it and will probably leak. I would go get some new line, the flaring kit, a cutting tool, and replace it. The line should be 3/16 which is easy to bend by hand so you won't need a bender unless you want to spend a few extra bucks (doesn't hurt to have one). The harbor freight kit is not the best, so I would put the clamp tool that’s in the kit in a vise and tighten the hell out of it. This way, when you try to put the flare on the end of it the brake line wont slide in the clamp. NAPA will have everything you need. Their flaring kit is around $20 or $25 I think.

Here is a link that explains how to flare brake lines.http://www.carcraft.com/howto/50919/index.html

Karma · 08-20-2006, 11:58 PM

HI,
I replaced my flexible lines with stainless steel braid and had to relocate the brackets. At the same time I replaced the hard lines with stock from NAPA. I bought a cutter, a bender (really makes life much easier), and borrowed a flairing tool from Auto Zone. The flairing tool worked but only barely. I would suggest buying a good tool. Don't know were to get one but NAPA may be a place to start. No doubt that Snap On sells one but it will be expensive.

Anyway, my brake line adventure turned out well and braided lines were worth the effort. Good luck.

Sparky

TSEJEEPERS · 08-21-2006, 06:50 AM

Sears carries them too.

JFM626 · 08-21-2006, 07:42 AM

Since the brake line is broken, you can bet that the other end will be impossible to remove without breaking it as well. The simplest and cheapest way IMO is to measure the length of the line and head down to you nearest NAPA and buy one the same length or just a bit longer. Shouldn't be more than 6 bucks. You will also need some brake fluid, as you will need to bleed the rear brakes. If you don't already have one get 3/8 and 7/16 flare wrenches as well.

Karma · 08-21-2006, 08:12 AM

HI,
Yes, and buy good flair wrenches not junk. I consider Craftsman to be the minimum quality level. Buy Snap On if you have a few extra bucks. These wrenches must be extremely sturdy and they must have an exact fit. Anything less will screw up the fitting. I learned the hard way.

Sparky

BoogerYJ · 08-21-2006, 03:34 PM

I went through the same thing with mine a couple weeks ago. I broke the rear line and then broke both front line from flexing more than the slack in the front lines would allow. I done alot of checking since I wanted to do it right and make it safe. I went to Sears to get a flaring kit but they sell regular flaring tools only, not brake flaring tools. I asked what the difference was and the salesman said brake lines require a double flare. I went to NAPA and found a double flare tool and all the connectors. Also bought new lines for the front and rear. I was able to make my flares under the jeep with no problem. The guys at Napa said it was illegal to run brake lines without a double flare. Get the right tool and do it right the first time. The flaring kit was about $30.00. They also sell them at Autozone and Advance Auto. It is easy to use. Just follow the directions.

**Varnish** · 08-21-2006, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFM626

Since the brake line is broken, you can bet that the other end will be impossible to remove without breaking it as well. The simplest and cheapest way IMO is to measure the length of the line and head down to you nearest NAPA and buy one the same length or just a bit longer. Shouldn't be more than 6 bucks. You will also need some brake fluid, as you will need to bleed the rear brakes. If you don't already have one get 3/8 and 7/16 flare wrenches as well.

x2, just get a length close and route it to take up the extra.

hazrider · 08-21-2006, 10:45 PM

thanks for all the replies. I did go to Napa and got the flare kit the brake line is fixed and the lift if complete. Just got back from a test drive and it seems to be ok ( don't need a sye )