Can I replace my metal brake lines with copper or aluminum brake lines?
I have a 2001 ford focus ZTS and a rear metal brake line cracked and i've tried flaring new metal brake lines but my cheap flaring kit doesn't seem to handle metal lines and was wondering if copper or aluminum would be easier to flare? Can I use copper or aluminum lines on my car? What're the pros and cons?
I have used copper before and it worked fine.
Copper and aluminum are softer and more prone to breaking and rock chips. Get yourself a better flare kit. You can also find pre shaped lines if you check the auto parts stores.
NO. Copper or aluminum are not strong enough to handle the pressures built up in a braking system. That's why brake lines are made from stainless steel.
No both aluminum and copper are too soft. Especially at the flare that must be made to connect it. I won't tell you that it won't work.I'm sure it would suffice in a emergency But for a permanent fix either steel or stainless steel must be used The vibration alone on the soft metals will cause it to break usually at the flared end
The old hillbilly fix on the brake line eh? It becomes a safety issue when those lines get corroded.
Sure you have only 1 spot that is rotten so cut it off there and flare it, couple it no prob.
But that WHOLE line needs to be replaced. That's just what I do. The line is rotten, replace the whole line. Then you don't have to worry about any flares.
Just a thought. By the time you rent the flare kit & buy the couplings and yada yada.
Your better off buying & replacing that whole section of brake line aren't you?
NO,… And your " flare tool ". For copper & aluminum tubing, Is not the same as brake line flare tool. Brake lines have a special type of flair… And brake lines have Two types of flare,. And they are not inter changable
If it cracked that means it's old and unsafe. Just measure the length and fitting size and go to your local parts store and buy a new one that's already made up to that length.
Cupronickel is the best choice. Kunifer is one brand. Hand flares work on it and it's got fantastic strength and corrosion resistance. Better than copper. Not aluminium. Not strong enough and too susceptible to electrolytic corrosion when touching steel.
NO!
That's an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS notion! The hydraulic pressure could easily split/burst aluminum or copper.
Use approved steel brake line, which is plated to prevent rust, or approved stainless brake/hydraulic line.
If you had no brakes, and only copper tubing and brass unions, I'd say ok, to gingerly drive your car back to civilization and directly to a brake mechanic, otherwise don't even think of doing it.
Please also understand that brake lines have a double (inverted) flare or a metric round "bubble" flare. A standard single flare tool for home projects with copper tubing is not the proper tool for brake lines.
Go to the auto parts store and first match the thread of your brake line fittings, then the style of "flare" to what they have. You can replace a long piece of brake line with 2 or more shorter pieces, using the threaded/flared couplers available. That's the only way to get close to a specific length if you're unable to cut and flare bulk brake line.
No you need to use those recommended by the factory for safety reasons. They need to meet pressure and corrosion standards.
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