123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Automobiles >> View Article

Brake Line Replacement: Should I Replace The Fittings As Well?

Profile Picture
By Author: Mark Sanford
Total Articles: 38
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

There are three ways to approach a brake line replacement job: buy a direct replacement brake line, use a pre-flared brake line, or invest in a brake line kit and make the whole thing yourself. With the first two, reusing the old fittings isn’t an option: the line comes with new ones. Use a brake line kit to make your own from scratch though, and now you have the option to reuse those old fittings. Here are some points to consider.

REASONS FOR REPLACING BRAKE LINES
Routed along the underside of your vehicle, brake lines are exposed to salt, dirt, and whatever deicing chemicals are used in your part of the world. Unless your ride is blessed with stainless steel, the lines are going to corrode. Nickel copper and poly-vinyl fluoride (PVF) lines will last longer than steel, but their life is still finite.

Brake lines can also corrode from the inside out. This happens if you don’t change the brake fluid at the prescribed intervals, especially if it’s hygroscopic (water-absorbing).

Other reasons for replacing brake lines are because they got damaged somehow, because you’re modifying the vehicle, ...
... or because the end fittings or flares have been damaged.

BRAKE FITTINGS
Rigid brake lines are flared out at the ends. A flare nut mounted on the line screws into a mounting block, trapping and compressing the flare in the process. This is what seals against brake line pressures as high as 2,000 psi.

Flexible brake lines, or hoses, are often connected with banjo fittings. These are two-piece fittings where a hollow bolt passes through the center of a ring-shaped union fitted to the end of the hose. Copper crush washers sit against each face of the ring to create a seal.

REUSE OR REPLACE THE FITTINGS?
If you’re working with a brake line kit you have the option of reusing fittings from the lines you’ve just removed. As a general rule, don’t. Here’s why.

• Fittings taken off a vehicle could have cracks or corrosion not visible to the eye
• Threads may be damaged
• Hexagonal faces could have been rounded

Distorted or misshaped threads will raise the torque needed for fastening, letting you think they are tight when they’re not. If hex sides are rounded or damaged from being clamped in grips, a flare nut wrench could slip and do more damage. If you get the fitting done up tight it may never come undone again!

With a banjo fitting, while you can reuse the union it’s best to replace both the crush washers and the bolt. The washers act as gaskets and once used they’ve deformed and may not work as well next time. Plus, the bolt stretches when tightened, and if it’s been over-torqued previously there’s a risk of it snapping.

THE BOTTOM LINE
If you’re going to the effort of replacing a brake line, don’t cheap out on fittings. It could lead to premature failure, and who wants to risk that in the braking system?

Brake System University is a micro site giving advice, reviews, and technical information on various brake system components like brake lines, brake line repair, and ABS sensors. Brake System University connects you to high quality, genuine brake system replacement parts including replacement brake lines, replacement ABS sensors, replacement brake line repair kit that have been tested and reviewed by experts. If you want to replace any component of your brake system, then this site(https://brakesystems.autopartsu.com/) will helps you in choosing the right component. Brake System University connects you to trusted reviews and referrals to help you easily make a purchase decision.

Total Views: 635Word Count: 585See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Automobiles Articles

1. Protect Your Car’s Shine And Surface With Premium Services In Auckland
Author: Caprice Car Valet

2. Electric 2 Wheeler Trends & Cheapest Electric Scooters To Buy Now
Author: Ampere

3. Drive Higher: The Complete Guide To Roof Rails For Cars In India
Author: Creckk

4. The Benefits Of Managing Your Car Insurance Online: Convenience And Control
Author: VehicleInfo

5. Timely Motorcycle Repair Is Beneficial On Many Levels!
Author: Levi Fysh

6. Avail Multiple Services From An Authorised Skoda Centre
Author: Oliver Mertin

7. Top 3 Things To Look Into Before Starting Off A Car
Author: Eleanor Thompson

8. Luxury Car Detailing In Montreal: Elevate Your Ride With Professional Auto Detailing Services
Author: meticulous

9. Catamarans Market Insights 2024: Growth Accelerators And Industry Outlook
Author: supriya Maximize

10. Key Transmission Parts Of A Backhoe Loader
Author: Seetech Parts

11. Reliable Full Load And Part Load Transport Services In India At Gopiban Logistics
Author: Gopiban Logistics

12. Affordable Car Tyre Solutions And Expert Car Care In Henderson
Author: HV Auto

13. What Should You Know Before Buying A Used Acura Engine?
Author: Peter Becker

14. Tech On The Move: The Evolution Of Uk Taxi Transfers
Author: Sakkun Tickoo

15. Reliable And Low-cost Solutions For Auto Glass Needs In Stockton
Author: Low Price Mobile Auto Glass Stockton

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: