Homemade Brake Pipes

[hellmett]

The wife's Astra just failed the MOT 'cos of pitted brake pipes.

I saw a few kits for sale here and there and quite fancy saving a few quid and making new pipes myself.

It looks quite simple provided you have the right tools!

Anyone ever attempted this?

Any advice?

Cheers!

Gary

[BUSHWHACKER]

The wife's Astra just failed the MOT 'cos of pitted brake pipes.

I saw a few kits for sale here and there and quite fancy saving a few quid and making new pipes myself.

It looks quite simple provided you have the right tools!

Anyone ever attempted this?

Any advice?

Cheers!

Gary

Yeah, done it once years ago on a Mini.
Easy to do, just remember to slide the fitting on the end of the pipe before flaring the end!

Remove old brake pipe, lay it down an copy shape with new pipe. Also, get yourself some good quality benders and flaring tool.
Some on here as used by kit/race car builders.......
http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/

[GRASSMAN]

The wife's Astra just failed the MOT 'cos of pitted brake pipes.

I saw a few kits for sale here and there and quite fancy saving a few quid and making new pipes myself.

It looks quite simple provided you have the right tools!

Anyone ever attempted this?

Any advice?

Cheers!

Gary

Hi Hellmett,

Easy peasy, save yourself a load of cash, I've done minis, astras,
AX's, quite a few race cars, and don't forget surfs.
Just take care and copy the old pipe and it's flares, put your
nuts on first.

Gman.

[james-r]

My local motor factor makes them up while you wait, just take him your old ones, 5 mins later he pops up with new brake pipes, got a full set of 4 pipes all made up for a vw and fluid for £30

[hellmett]

Re

Excellent news fellas!

I'll order the gubbins and get on it!

Cheers for the help!

Gary

PS: Should I use copper?, would copper be ok for the Surf if I ever needed to make a pipe?

[trev1968]

copper will be fine most places use nowt but copper pipe easy and lasts well if treated with waxoil or a mix of grease and gear oil

[hellmett]

Re

Well!

Bl00dy nightmare!

Can't seem to get the flaring right at all!

I think the Silverline Flaring Tool I bought is really cheap and nasty!

When I bend the pipes they don't have to be exact do they?

I think probably the best way to do it is on the vehicle so long as you know the previous route taken!

Gonna bring the Silverline crap back and get something better I think!

Gary

[trev1968]

as long as it fits and no leaks it dont have to be perfect just as long as it dont rub on anything ect....

[GRASSMAN]

Well!

Bl00dy nightmare!

Can't seem to get the flaring right at all!

I think the Silverline Flaring Tool I bought is really cheap and nasty!

When I bend the pipes they don't have to be exact do they?

I think probably the best way to do it is on the vehicle so long as you know the previous route taken!

Gonna bring the Silverline crap back and get something better I think!

Gary

Hi Gary,

I'll take some pics tomoz of my tool (flaring that is).
and what the flares should look like when done, there's ony
two types of flare, so don't worry, just hope we've got the
same bit of kit.

Gman.

[wald]

Yup Silverline Crap Ive Replaced Mine With A Laser And Its Superior In Every Way And It Was Only £15 If I Remember Correctly, It Owes Me Nowt And It Still Gets Me Work Even Though Ive Been Trying To Give Up My Former Life Of Grime. Take Your Time And Take Note Of Previous Replies Good Luck.

[GRASSMAN]

Hi Gary,

Pics as promised, I've had this flaring tool
for years, cost me £15.00 I think, had my money
out of it tho, hope these pics help

http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/m...t=336af3e4.pbw

Gman.

EDIT::look here,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DOUBLE-PIPE-FL...item5ad8ea2dc6

[Albannach]

Should I use copper?,

No, copper won't flare easily and isn't vibration resistant (that's 2 of the many reasons not to use copper).

would copper be ok for the Surf if I ever needed to make a pipe?

See above.

[Bogus]

I partly agree with the fellow sweaty. I think it flares without too much difficulty, buts its not good for brake lines. It work hardens, which is another way I suppose of saying its not vibration proof. As it moves/flexes, it gets hard and cracks or splits.

Bogus

[Albannach]

I partly agree with the fellow sweaty. I think it flares without too much difficulty, buts its not good for brake lines. It work hardens, which is another way I suppose of saying its not vibration proof. As it moves/flexes, it gets hard and cracks or splits.

I used to have a list of reasons (from college) but I can't find it, but I'm sure it cracks when doing the second part of double flares.

Proper, two piece, lever operated, mandrels are the best ones, those screw in ones are OK, but I'd not use them (they don't give consistent results).

[GRASSMAN]

I partly agree with the fellow sweaty. I think it flares without too much difficulty, buts its not good for brake lines. It work hardens, which is another way I suppose of saying its not vibration proof. As it moves/flexes, it gets hard and cracks or splits.

Bogus

Hi guys,

Any brake pipe that is not secure will not pass an MOT.
ie: loose, not in the correct clips, unsupported, or rubbing
on the frame of the car.
Most copper brake pipe is of the soft alloy type, and
made for the automotive industry. (cupro nickel)


Gman.