brus brother Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Friend's 2000 chrysler concorde brake lines blew out last week while exiting a hwy on a turn. They are all rusted. This guy is no stranger to "older" cars since he owns 5 1968 vintage Subaru 360s. Any suggestions for best brake line material to use that is easy to flare/install? I recall a debate on the site but can't find the post. Don't want to do that job (or end up brakeless) more than once. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el_freddo Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Over here the go to tube to use is called “bunny tube”. It’s the standard for fixed lines. Since we don’t have snow and salt on our roads, copper brake lines are illegal due to the ability of the copper tube expanding the blowing out. For the flexible lines braided is the way to go. Our ADRs dictate that braided lines must be covered in a plastic like liner, basically a tube laminate. That’s what I got when I asked for braided lines. Any good brake shop will point you in the right direction for what you need. Cheers Bennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 I recall reading about some lines made from a cupro-nickel alloy? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rampage Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 Copper-Nickle Alloy is all I use anymore. It is on our 93 Ranger, 96 Voyager, 95 and 97 RHD Legacy's the one that goes over the fuel tank. It will not expand with normal brake pressures and if you take a piece of it and bend it like 90 degrees back and forth until it breaks (it takes a while) it will not kink shut. You can wrap it around a screwdriver handle to make a coil. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted November 12, 2019 Author Share Posted November 12, 2019 14 minutes ago, Rampage said: Copper-Nickle Alloy is all I use anymore. It is on our 93 Ranger, 96 Voyager, 95 and 97 RHD Legacy's the one that goes over the fuel tank. It will not expand with normal brake pressures and if you take a piece of it and bend it like 90 degrees back and forth until it breaks (it takes a while) it will not kink shut. You can wrap it around a screwdriver handle to make a coil. Where do you buy yours? I'm in the CT rust belt. Do you use the old connectors or the ones that come with the kits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rampage Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 (edited) I get it at Fisher - Federated Auto Parts where I retired from. (they still give me the employee discount) I'm sure other auto parts stores would carry it, because I've seen it under different brand names. Find a mechanic that can get it for you at a discount. It comes in a roll. I normally reuse the old connectors depending on rust. It is great for double and bubble flares. If I need new connectors I buy the shortest (6 or 8 inch) steel line that comes with two connectors on it, because it is cheaper than buying the two connectors alone. Edited November 12, 2019 by Rampage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rampage Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 I just found this. Copper-nickel is shown as the most reliable material by far. Users of copper-nickel brake tubing in addition to Volvo include world-class vehicle manufacturers like Rolls Royce, Lotus, Aston Martin, Porsche and, most recently, Audi. Copper-nickel is also used in military, fire fighting and other heavy vehicles. And this. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=copper+nickel+brake+line&i=automotive&crid=1H4REOPR8WG37&sprefix=copper+nickel+brake+line%2Cautomotive%2C355&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_24 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted November 12, 2019 Author Share Posted November 12, 2019 thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charles_thomas Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 I use NiCop in all of my vehicles as well. Won't burst, won't rust, easy to bend and the cost is not much more than steel. The only thing to be wary of via Amazon, is the lines that say they are Nickel Copper, but are either coated steel, or all copper. Usually I pay the slightly higher price to be able to touch it before purchase, but that is just a personal preference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted November 12, 2019 Author Share Posted November 12, 2019 It saves you money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike104 Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 Local auto parts stores (Auto Zone, Advance, NAPA, O'Reilly's, Pep Boys, etc) should stock it or be able to order it for you. It is more expensive (retail around $50 US for a 25 foot roll) you may be able to find it online or a coupon code for an online purchase at some retailers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Numbchux Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 NiCopp. $50-75 in stores, about 20 on amazon. I have several rolls on the work bench at any time. I also spend the money on stainless fittings from "the stop shop" (on their website, or through Amazon. And an inline flaring tool. I used this one for years, then bought this one when I needed more sizes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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